We were unable to identify credible
sources of data on how much private property is subject to federal
regulatory controls. Hence, we limited our review to information on the
extent to which wetland determinations under the Clean Water Act and
critical habitat designations under the Endangered Species Act have
affected private lands. The results of this work are limited because
data were unavailable.
About 1.1 million acres of privately owned land had been included
in the critical habitat designations for 31 species
As of September 30, 1994, the four federal agencies had obtained
rights-of-use to over 3 million acres of nonfederal land through leases,
agreements, permits, and easement. Nonprofit organizations in our review
acquire parcels of land for conservation and then sell, donate, or
exchange the parcels to entities such as federal, state, and local
governments.
Acreage Transactions for the Nature Conservancy, , From July 1,
1964, Through September 30,1994
Acres on hand: 69, 424,
Acres acquired, 3, 051,730,
Acres transferred 2, 295, 366
Acres on hand 625,788
Land Ownership: Information on the Acreage, Management, and Use of
Federal and Other Lands (Letter Report, 03/13/96, GAO/RCED-96-40).
