MIAMI COUNTY, KS – While many landowners wait until later in life to begin thinking about legacy, Eric Howell is already making moves to preserve his land — starting in his 30s.
A lifelong outdoorsman who grew up in the Boy Scouts, learning early on about conservation and stewardship, Howell recently enrolled 77 acres into a Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Though the restoration hasn’t yet begun, Howell is firmly committed to seeing it through.
“It’s not about what I can take from the land — it’s about what I can give back to it.”
Eric’s land includes a riverine wetland that runs along Pottawatomie Creek. These types of wetlands form next to streams and creeks and are great for wildlife. They help keep water clean, prevent erosion, and support a wide mix of plants and animals. With restoration coming soon, the area will provide even better habitat.
“I’m just getting started, but I know what I want this place to become,” Howell said. “It’s not about what I can take from the land — it’s about what I can give back to it.”
Howell first learned about WRE from the real estate agent who helped him purchase his property south of Osawatomie. Intrigued by the opportunity to build long-term wildlife habitat, he began the application process in 2020.
What followed was a multi-year journey of paperwork, meetings, and waiting.
“Everyone I worked with was great — professional and helpful — but the process itself takes a long time,” Howell said. “I had to learn a lot of patience. If I’d known that going in, I think I would’ve been mentally more prepared.”
Though his official WRE restoration is still pending — expected to begin this summer — Howell didn’t let the delays slow him down. He’s already restored more than 25 additional acres with native grasses and wildflowers, including 18 acres he funded himself.
“I couldn’t just sit on my hands,” he said. “This land means something to me. I want it to be wild and diverse, not farmed to death.”
Howell’s land includes the Pottawatomie Creek, a natural corridor for wildlife that cuts through dense timber and brush. It’s home to bald eagles, deer, turkey, migrating ducks, and a wide variety of birds.
“This is just a really special piece of land,” he said. “It’s got everything — creek, timber, grassland, and soon, wetland. I want it to stay that way forever.”
As a younger landowner, Howell knows his story stands out — but he hopes it inspires others to start early.
“I’ve talked to a lot of older landowners who say, ‘I wish I’d done this 30 years ago,’” he said. “So why wait?”
Still, Howell doesn’t shy away from the concerns others have — particularly when it comes to working with the federal government.
“There’s a lot of hesitation,” he said. “People are scared the government’s going to control their land. But that hasn’t been my experience. The people I’ve worked with care about habitat, just like I do.”
For Howell, the decision to enroll in a Wetland Reserve Easement came down to values — and vision.
“This isn’t land I plan to sell. I want to pass it on,” he said. “Some people say I’ve devalued it by putting it into a permanent easement. But to me, it’s worth more now. It’s not about dollars — it’s about habitat.”
His advice for others considering the program?
“Start early, ask a lot of questions, and don’t get discouraged,” Howell said. “It takes time, but it’s worth it. If you care about your land and what it becomes, this is a powerful way to shape that future.”
Learn more about Eric’s story. Hear him talk about protecting a major wildlife corridor.