Conservation Easements
Voluntary legal agreements
Conservation easements are voluntary legal agreements between a landowner and a land trust or a governmental entity that protects the conservation values of the landowner’s property. There is no single format for conservation easements, which are tailored to specific landowners’ needs. For example, you may choose an easement that allows forestry and agricultural practices on your property while restricting commercial development. You continue to own the land, and you can sell or pass it on to your heirs whenever you so choose. Most conservation easements are permanent, and all are recorded on the title and filed in the county deeds office.
Could I benefit from a conservation easement?
In recent years, conservation easements have become very popular with landowners, especially farmers and ranchers. In some cases, conservation easements are the best option for family farmers or large forestland owners to ensure that their children have the opportunity to continue the family tradition. “Land rich and cash poor” individuals can, in many situations, avoid or reduce estate taxes with a conservation easement, allowing them to maintain family land use. You may be eligible for significant income and estate tax benefits through a conservation easement. Additionally, conservation easements allow you to permanently protect traditional land uses for present and future generations. Land trusts and other entities sometimes purchase conservation easements, providing another option for landowners interested in conservation benefits.
