About Us
Our Purpose
The Norman Area Land Conservancy, Inc. (NALC) is a local, 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation committed to preserving and protecting both urban and rural open spaces in the Norman area.
How We Operate
The NALC enters into agreements with willing local landowners to create a perpetual conservation easement on their property. With such an easement, landowners can protect their land without giving up ownership. The landowner agrees to forego development of the property, allowing it to remain in its natural or agricultural state forever.
A conservation easement can protect sites with historic value, preserve land for ranching or farming, or safeguard endangered animal or plant species, among other ecological values. The landowner decides whether the easement will permit public access. Eligible lands generally must contain productive soil or historical or archaeological resources. The landowner, with the concurrence of the NALC, decides the terms of the conservation easement. If federal money is used to help purchase the easement, the Natural Resources Conservation Service or other appropriate government agency will also have input. The accepted easement is a legal document, filed with the county clerk.
The landowner retains title to the property and can use it, sell it, or leave it to heirs. However, the conservation easement remains with the land forever. The NALC becomes responsible for ensuring that the terms of the easement are followed in perpetuity. Under certain conditions, the NALC may accept outright land donations.
Board of Directors
- Susan Barber
- Rachel Butler
- Todd Fagin
- Jeri Fleming
- Harry Fritzler
- Vonceil Harmon, Secretary
- Mark Howery
- Lyle Milby, Vice Chair
- Lynne Miller Stuart
- Debbie Smith
- Lyntha Wesner, Chair
Other Officers
- John Raeside, Treasurer
Emeritus Members
- Ben Benedum
- Ben Southerland
Legal Advisors
- Lindsey Pever
- Stan War
Meetings
The Norman Area Land Conservancy meets quarterly in the First Presbyterian Church located at 555 S. University in Norman.
Annual Meeting - Forthcoming