What is the purpose of conservation easements?

The purpose of conservation easements is to protect valuable natural resources and restrict development. These legally binding agreements between a landowner and a conservation organization or government body allow the landowner to retain ownership of their property while placing restrictions on how it can be used. This ensures that the ecological and aesthetic values of the land are preserved, preventing any future development that could harm natural ecosystems, wildlife habitats, or important landscapes.

Conservation easements are vital tools in the broader strategy of land preservation, supporting biodiversity, water quality, and scenic landscapes in areas where development pressures might otherwise lead to significant environmental degradation. By focusing on the protection of important natural resources, conservation easements play a critical role in promoting sustainable land use practices while also allowing landowners to benefit financially, sometimes through tax incentives or compensation for the development rights they relinquish.