What is a Conservation Easement (“CE”)?
Conservation easements (“CE”) allow people to protect the land they love. They are the most effective tool available for the permanent conservation of private lands.
Generally, CEs are either sold or donated, by a landowner, to a qualified conservation organization (land trust or government agency) and constitute a voluntary legal agreement that limits or conditions certain development rights, in perpetuity, to fulfill the conservation purposes of the CE.
CEs protect land for future generations by restricting or conditioning certain defined uses, such as the right to subdivide or engage in commercial development, to protect others, for instance, agricultural pursuits & forestry, and the protection of water quality. A conserved property continues to provide economic benefits to both the landowner and the greater community. The land remains on the tax rolls, in private ownership.
Deed of Conservation Easement
As a legally binding document, a Deed of Conservation Easement is recorded at the county in which the property is located and becomes identified as a permanent interest in the property’s record.
Once a CE has been sold or donated, the qualified organization (“Grantee”) is obligated to defend its conservation purposes through stewardship.
What Is A Conservation Easement?
Documents and Resources
What is a Conservation Easement? |