Conservation agreements

I have been working with USDA to fund habitat restoration on some of our commonly owned outlots. Their money now comes with long term "contracts" which I have just recently read. They basically state if they pay for a practice and it is abused or let go you'll pay them back. The property currently has no use besides a few residents dumping waste and making ATV trails. This contract will provide installation of native vegitation & trees. Their contract also states the land will be restricted to ecological managment practices only.

We have four board members, two are on board with the idea but will not be involved & one non-responsive. We have a weak HOA and not much board activity. I would be the only one to oversee & be involved running with this.

I'm starting to think this good idea is headed for trouble (after reading the contract terms). Any thoughts?

They are commonly owned by the hoa.

Mike,

Unless the HOA and it's members and Board will support the idea, then you may have a big headache trying to enforce the rules set down by the contract for the funding.

This is very admirable of you to take this on. I am a huge proponant of native plant restoration and am heavily involved in this work. I am scared when you write about ATV and 4 wheelers may run thru the project. Those are uneducated people and will not think twice before ruining the project, just to have the fun and freedom with their vehicles.

Fencing won't work. We have tried having massive rocks dropped along the perimeter and they just run over them so weigh all of your options before making a commitment that will require reimbursement of funds if your HOA does not fulfil the committment. It may not be worth your sanity to take this on.

Your right on target. I have thought about this and came to the conclusion that much trouble could be generated by one or a few disrespectful individuals which we do have in the development. Lesson learned, ask for & read the contracts before investing time and energy in something....