photo of salem conservation easement mitigation bank nc

Salem | Conservation Easement

wave

Total Acres

12.3

Project Year

2023

 
Located in Orange County NCconserve restore habitat badge

The Salem Conservation Easement is a mitigation project being managed by WLS/Naturion designed to restore riparian buffers and improve water quality in the Neuse River Basin. Developed under the Salem Nutrient Offset Bank, this site plays a crucial role in reducing nutrient runoff and enhancing local aquatic ecosystems.

Previously, the site was actively farmed, with agricultural practices contributing to sediment and nutrient pollution in the watershed. The conservation easement aims to restore 11.51 acres of riparian buffers, planting native trees and vegetation along Stream A and several agricultural ditches to filter runoff, stabilize soil, and create a healthier aquatic environment.

The conservation easement ensures permanent protection of the restored riparian areas, supporting wildlife habitat, water quality improvements, and long-term ecological resilience. The Salem Nutrient Offset Bank exemplifies how conservation and responsible land management can work together to protect North Carolina’s natural resources​.

 

Mitigation Partner

naturion

 

Our Role

Conservation Easement Grantee

Mitigation Type

Nutrient Offset & Buffer

About the Authormichael scisco

Michael brings nearly 20 years of experience to his role as Conservation Director at Unique Places to Save. He has worked to conserve over 200,000 acres across the U.S. while securing over $200M in funding and transacting $500M in land and other real estate.

Learn More

We are a trusted non-profit partner for mitigation banks seeking high-quality conservation projects

 

Learn More
photo of children playing outdoors

Mandi Taylor, May 2025

How Green Spaces Improve Our Immune System

Like many other millennials, I grew up hearing tales of hardship from the older generations - like the infamous 12-mile, uphill both ways trek to school. We were often labeled as “soft” compared to their experiences. Now, when seeing the yo...

photo of kayakers paddling on the Cuyahoga River

Sam Warnock, April 2025

A River Under Fire: The Cuyahoga River's Comeback

Few rivers tell the story of environmental neglect and redemption quite like the Cuyahoga. Once a dumping ground for industrial waste, this Ohio river was so polluted that it caught on fire repeatedly before the passage of the Clean Water A...

photo of floods in rural farmlands

Mandi Taylor, April 2025

How Wetlands Impact Insurance Costs - Part Two

In the first part of our research into how wetlands impact insurance costs, we discussed the decline of wetlands across the U.S., amplified by recent legal changes that leave millions of acres unprotected. Now, we connect that ecological lo...

photo of wetlands with buildings in the background

Mandi Taylor, April 2025

How Wetlands Impact Insurance Costs - Part One

Welcome to the first installment of our Conservation Cares series! We often hear about land and natural resource conservation in broad strokes, but how does it tangibly affect our daily lives? This series of topics illustrates how different...