The Natural Heritage Commission acquires rights to specific tracts of land and gives them special protection. Systematic analysis of inventory data identifies locations that hold exceptional importance for the state's natural diversity and that still lack formal protection.
Further study indicates which tracts can be managed successfully for conservation purposes.
When such lands can be acquired through gift, bargain sale, or purchase at fair market value, the Natural Heritage Commission usually takes steps to do so, using grants from various state and federal sources. Partnerships Partnerships enable the commission to accomplish things that otherwise would be beyond its reach. The commission can meet major challenges only when powerful partners deploy their resources for the achievement of common goals. From the beginning of its land-acquisition efforts, in 1976, private landowners have assisted with land that the commission wanted to protect, by offering it at prices below market value. More recently, corporations, especially timber companies, have shown the same kind of willingness with larger tracts.