LeRay McAllister Critical Land Conservation Fund

LeRay McAllister Critical Land Conservation Fund is sponsored by Utah Quality Growth Commission (administered by Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, and Utah Department of Natural Resources). Established in 1999, this fund provides matching funds for the preservation and restoration of critical open lands, wildlife habitat, watershed protection areas, scenic and historic lands, and agricultural lands in Utah.

LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund | Utah Department of Agriculture and Food LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund 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 Application Deadline → August 31 Staff Review & Site Visit Window → September-October Board Review & Final Decision → November Award Notification → December 1 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity If you are an agricultural landowner in Utah and are not yet working with a qualified entity like a land trust, please fill out the registration form and our team can assist you with your succession and easement planning.

Prepare your application to the LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund. 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. Program Manager Land Conservation