I don't want to start a fight or argument--and this is an issue Horseless and I have discussed before and he knows quite well-- First off I'm totally against the government obtaining more land--- BUT all I have to say is--- folks look hard and deep at some of these trusts and conservation easements (which include big money) -- and why the "Greenie-Weenies" don't oppose them....
They know that with all the restrictions put on the land thru the easements and trusts (minerals, water, wildlife, hunting, public access, no development of whatever unless it already fits into the easement, etc., etc.) and they know that this long term lowers the value of the land or any money a true business financier will put up- and know that every family/corporate operation for whatever reasons (family illness, family fights, deaths, DIVORCES, economics and bad investments, a rodeo queen daughter

, whatever) eventually comes up for sale --- and they(the greeny-weenies) know that when it does they can dig up much more money than any banking institution will put up to finance you or me to buy as an operational place with all the restrictions ....
These easements and trusts have been great for some borderline family and corporate operations that were near to going under to get a huge infusion of government and/or green money and keep them going-- but I don't really think they are as great as they have been laid out to be- and think we will pay for it down the line...