Or. Admin. Code § 698-015-0090 - Evaluation Criteria

Working Land Covenant and Easement Grant applications will be evaluated on:

(1) The regional significance of the agricultural, natural resource, and related social values of the working land that will be subject to the Working Land Conservation Covenant or Working Land Conservation Easement, including:

(a) The potential viability of the property for agriculture, including but not limited to soil types, suitability for producing different types of crops, and water availability;

(b) The land's contribution to long-term conservation of the region's agricultural land base;

(c) The regional significance of the agricultural operation based on location, its associated infrastructure, and other relevant factors including supporting agricultural values important to the region; and

(d) Supporting implementation of local, regional, state, federal or Tribal priorities and plans that support fish or wildlife habitat, water quality or other natural resource values.

(2) The extent to which the Working Land Conservation Covenant or Working Land Conservation Easement would protect, maintain, or enhance farming or ranching on the working land, including:

(a) Reducing the potential for future conversion or fragmentation of the property and surrounding working land; and

(b) Maintaining or enhancing the ability of the land to be in productive agricultural use that supports a viable agricultural operation.

(3) The extent to which the Working Land Conservation Covenant or Working Land Conservation Easement would protect, maintain or enhance significant fish or wildlife habitat, water quality or other natural resource values, including:

(a) Protecting, maintaining, or improving the quality and connectivity of plant or wildlife habitat on and around the working land; and

(b) Utilizing land stewardship practices that maintain or enhance soil health.

(4) The extent to which the project supports the integrated management, maintenance or enhancement of the agricultural and natural resource values on the working land.

(5) The extent to which the Working Land Conservation Covenant or Working Land Conservation Easement would protect agricultural outcomes or benefits from other related investments.

(6) The capacity and competence of the applicant and the proposed Working Land Conservation Covenant or Working Land Conservation Easement holder to purchase, accept, implement, hold, monitor, steward, and enforce a Working Land Conservation Covenant or Working Land Conservation Easement, including:

(a) Accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, or implementation of standards and practices that are similar to an organization that is eligible for accreditation;

(b) Inclusion of working land preservation in the organization's mission, vision or other organizational documents;

(c) The financial capability of the organization to steward conservation Working Land Conservation Covenants or Working Land Conservation Easements over time; and

(d) Demonstrated relevant commitment, ability, expertise, and track record to purchase, accept, implement, hold, monitor, steward, and enforce Working Land Conservation Covenant or Working Land Conservation Easement or other relevant projects.

(7) The extent to which the benefit to the state from the investment may be maximized, based on:

(a) The ability to leverage grant moneys with other funding sources;

(b) The duration and extent of the agreement, with a preference for longer term agreements;

(c) The cumulative effect of similar conservation or agricultural investments in the community, including other OAHP funded plans, covenants, or easements; and

(d) Consistency with local comprehensive plans and statewide planning goals.

(8) The extent and nature of the impacts of the Working Land Conservation Covenant or Working Land Conservation Easement on owners or operators of neighboring lands.

(9) The extent to which project will benefit the local area, as evidenced by engagement with and support from the local community and Tribes.

(10) The level of threat of conversion or fragmentation of the working land.

(11) The soundness of the legal and financial terms of the proposed real estate transaction.

Notes

Or. Admin. Code § 698-015-0090

OAHP 1-2019, adopt filed 01/28/2019, effective 2/1/2019; OAHP 1-2025, amend filed 01/31/2025, effective 1/31/2025

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 541.984, ORS 541.988 & ORS 541.989

Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 541.977-541.989