Value of Land Conservation

The Economic Benefits of Preserves, Trails, and Conserved Open Spaces in the Thousand Islands Region

A study conducted in 2018 by the Trust for Public Land (TPL) and peer-reviewed by Martin D. Heintzelman, PhD, Associate Professor and Frederic C. Menz Scholar of Environmental Economics at Clarkson University, assesses the impact of preserves, trails, and open spaces on the Thousand Islands region’s economy.

It draws from several case studies of TILT Preserves, and illustrates that preserves, trails, and conserved open spaces in the 1000 Islands region (Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties) are key economic drivers that contribute millions in economic benefits annually throughout our community.  

The study found that preserves, trails, and conserved open spaces...

  • Increase the value of nearby residential properties by $55.9 million.
  • Increase property tax revenues by $684,000 per year.
  • Increase market values of properties in proximity of conserved open spaces up to 2,000 feet by 20% or more.
  • Attract visitors and tourists, generating $16.4 million in labor income and 610 jobs each year, as well as $2.58 million in local taxes and $2.1 million in state taxes annually.

This study was funded by a grant from the Fresh Sound Foundation.

Read the study, the literature review, and the corresponding fact sheet for more information.

Case Studies:

  1. Zenda Farms Preserve
  2. Potters Beach Preserve
  3. Otter Creek Preserve