Conservation Easements

Conservation Easements

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. The primary purpose is generally to preserve natural resources such as exposed meadows, wildlife habitats, ridgelines, forests, water quality (lakes and streams) and wetlands. Typical easement restrictions may include limitations on further subdivision or development of the property, as well as restraints on commercial or industrial use.

The donation of land via a conservation easement to a land trust or other qualified organization may impart tax benefits to the landowner. Most Federal or State tax incentives or easement purchase programs require that the easement be perpetual, with easement restrictions transferring along with the title of the property to subsequent owners. The valuation of these types of properties requires expertise and an understanding of the associated legal and Treasury regulations, including the mandated timing of conservation easement appraisals relative to the date of donation.

Members of NVC’s team have completed numerous valuation assignments involving conservation easements, including preliminary consultations to determine whether to pursue an easement.

Click here to download our most recent brochure: NVC – Conservation Easement Brochure

Notable Conservation Easement Assignments: