The Endangered Species Act is based on the concept that it is in the public interest to protect and sustain plants and animals whose continued existence is in doubt due to human activities. It is therefore appropriate to consider economic and regulatory incentives to protect vital habitat and achieve public interest objectives.

This concept paper is intended to solicit input to a new conservation effort being developed in southwest Florida. This effort is designed to provide economic incentives to private landowners to conserve habitat for the endangered Florida Panther, as well as for other wildlife and ecological benefits. In this respect, the goal is to make the presence of wildlife habitats and endangered species a regulatory asset rather than an economic liability. Although this effort initially targeted the Florida Panther, the concept has potentially national significance for conservation of wildlife habitat and other natural resources.

The program being proposed is one based on Resource Conservation Agreements that would provide economic incentives to private landowners in exchange for long-term  management services (say, up to 20 years). A conceptual agreement has been crafted by private landowners but details of this program are still in the developmental phase. This concept paper is not an endorsement of the conceptual agreement, but a request to interested parties to provide comments that will assist in the development of an effective and equitable program for the conservation of wildlife habitat. Details of the Private Lands Initiative and opportunities for comment are available via this Internet site: http://fl-panther.com. In addition to input on this program, we seek information on and contact with other incentive-based conservation programs.

The panther habitat that exists on publicly owned land is relatively secure from change but is inadequate in size. The ultimate survival of the Florida Panther will depend on retaining the strong public support that currently exists and the development of innovative long term approaches to protect and maintain existing panther habitat on private lands.