LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund
Overview
The LeRay McAllister Fund uses money appropriated by the Legislature to fund the purchase of conservation easements on working farm and ranch lands. These funds are used as a source of matching dollars needed to unlock tens of millions of dollars from other federal and private sector sources available to complete the purchase of agricultural conservation easements. This mechanism multiplies the impact of the state’s initial investment allowing for a significantly larger pool of resources and underscores a shared responsibility among the stakeholders for preserving agricultural landscapes for future generations.
The independent Land Conservation Board administers the Fund for the purpose of providing grants for agricultural land preservation. Local governmental entities, the Department of Natural Resources, UDAF, and charitable organizations that qualify as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code are eligible to apply.
Applications may be submitted at any time during the calendar year through the UDAF Submittable Portal. Each application will be reviewed following the August 31 deadline unless otherwise indicated at the time of submission.
Application Deadline: August 31
Review & Award Timeline
- Application Deadline → August 31
- Staff Review & Site Visit Window → September-October
- Board Review & Final Decision → November
- Award Notification → December 1
Tasks
Program Impact
Since its inception in 1999, the LeRay McAllister Fund has made $27,413,016 in grants preserving nearly 100,000 acres of land, two thirds of which is working agricultural land. Total project costs have amounted to $201,738,5092 creating a more than 7:1 leverage of State money for land conservation through the fund since its inception.
This leverage demonstrates a collaborative effort between the state, federal government, and private sector, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to addressing this critical conservation need. This type of leverage amplifies the State’s capacity to address complex challenges and implement impactful projects, ultimately benefiting communities and fostering broader economic and social development. The program’s focus on agricultural lands ensures the protection of vital farmland, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and safeguarding the long-term viability of agricultural communities and markets.