MORGANTOWN – A $150,000 grant from the Natural Resource Conservation Service recently was offered to the West Virginia University Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic to support an ongoing partnership.
“To date, the Land Use Clinic has helped protect thousands of acres of forests, farmland and open space in the state of West Virginia,” Katherine Garvey, Director of LUSD Law Clinic at the WVU College of Law, said. “Our assistance is typically in the form of title examinations, drafting conservations easements and other legal agreements. This grant will help support our ability to continue land conservation work.
“In addition, the Land Use Clinic provides WVU law students with an opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of land use law and policy. We are one of only two Land Use Clinics in the United States. Students at WVU have a unique opportunity to gain practical experience drafting title opinions and other legal documents related to land transactions.”
The NRCS helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners conserve the nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment.
The LUSD Law Clinic provides legal services to local governments, landowners and non-profit organizations to develop land conservation strategies and practices. They also provide law students with an opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of land use law and policy. As a transactional and policy-based clinic, students develop research, drafting, negotiation and client counseling skills. Under the guidance of experienced attorneys and other land use professionals, students contribute to land and water conservation efforts throughout the state.