Steps To Placing Your Property Into A Conservation Easement

One of the most effective tools available to land trusts for land conservation is the conservation easement or agreement. In an easement, the landowner donates development rights to a land trust, such as HCLT. The land trust is granted the right to enforce the agreement and monitor the property. The easement donor still owns the land and has all ownership rights, but agrees to limit development of their property. In exchange, the donor gets:

- Federal tax deduction;
- reduced property taxes; and
- protection in perpetuity of their lands.

There are four reasons to place land into an easement:

- Protect relatively natural fish, wildlife, or plant habitats;
- Preserve open space, including farm and forest land;
- Preserve land for public outdoor recreation or education;
- Preserve historically important land or buildings.


We want to make protecting your land an enjoyable process.  Contact our offices to speak with Lance or Andrew to find out the first steps you need to take.  You can reach Lance by email at [email protected], Andrew at [email protected], or by calling us at 828-526-1111.