EASEMENTS, MANAGEMENT AND LAND ENHANCEMENT

Our primary tool is the conservation easement - an agreement between a willing landowner and a qualified non-profit organization to not build on, subdivide, or otherwise develop private land in order to protect one or more of its conservation values. These agreements are in perpetuity and “run with the land,” applying to all subsequent owners of the property. Conservation easements can be donated in whole or in part and always require a separate fund to be set aside to cover monitoring costs.

In most conservation easements, landowners continue to manage their property. In some cases, management responsibilities are transferred along with the conservation easement, which requires an endowment to provide for ongoing stewardship.

CONSERVATION EASEMENTS ARE:

Deed restrictions on willing landowners that limit development on private lands. Conservation easements can be donated or purchased or a mix; they essentially compensate private landowners for benefits enjoyed by the public.