Conservation Easement

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organisation or government agency that restricts the use and development of a piece of land in order to protect its conservation values, such as wildlife habitats, the growth of healthy forests, water quality, or scenic beauty. The landowner retains ownership and certain rights, such as the right to farm, while the easement holder is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the restrictions. Conservation easements can provide landowners with financial benefits, such as tax deductions or credits, and contribute to the long-term preservation and stewardship of natural and cultural resources.