CONSERVATION AGREEMENTS

A conservation agreement (also called a conservation easement) is a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a qualified land trust, which allows the landowner to legally restrict certain undesirable land uses from occurring on their property.

This agreement is permanent and remains with the land even after it has been sold or willed to heirs. Conservation agreements typically prevent land uses such as residential subdivisions, commercial or industrial operations, and mining, while allowing traditional rural land uses, such as farming, grazing, hunting, and timbering to continue. The terms of a conservation agreement are negotiated around the kitchen table, and vary greatly depending on the landowner’s plans for their property. A conservation agreement never allows public access, unless it is the express desire of the landowner for it to do so.

If you own land with important natural or historic resources, a voluntary conservation agreement can protect the land you love while you continue to own and manage it for traditional uses like farming or a family residence. You may also realize significant tax benefits.