Safe harbor agreements for private landowners

Because many endangered and threatened species occur exclusively, or to a large extent, on privately owned property, the involvement of the private sector in the conservation and recovery of species is crucial. Property owners are often willing partners in efforts to recover listed species. However, some people may be reluctant to undertake activities that support or attract listed species on their properties, due to concern about future use limitations related to the ESA. To address this concern, a SHA provides that future property-use limitations will not occur without the landowner’s consent.