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A conservation easement is an agreement between a landowner and a private land trust or government. The agreement limits certain uses on all or a portion of a property for conservation purposes while keeping the property in the landowner’s ownership and control. The agreement applies to present and future owners of the land.
The agreement is tailored to the particular property and to the goals of the landowner and conservation organization. For example, an agreement might allow sustainable forestry but restrict most other uses. Another agreement might prohibit construction and logging within 100 feet of a stream but allow it elsewhere. Another might support farming but forbid development.
Most conservation easements are donated by landowners who wish to protect a beloved place. Under certain circumstances, easements are sold at a bargain price or fair market value. Donations and bargain sales that meet IRS requirements can result in federal tax benefits.
For more information, visit the on-line library at http://conserveland.org/lpr/library Both the categories Conservation Tools and Landowner Guides will be particularly helpful.
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