A conservation easement allows landowners to protect the natural resources and preserve the scenic beauty of their property while retaining ownership. An easement is filed with the deed and spells out a landowner’s commitment to preserve and protect land conservation values of the property. An easement is either voluntarily donated or sold by the landowner to the land trust. It is a legally binding agreement that limits certain types of uses or prevents development from taking place on the land in perpetuity while the land remains in private hands.
Donating land for conservation purposes is one of the finest legacies you can leave for future generations. When working with the Bethel Land Trust (BLT), donors step through a sequential process that ensures clear communication and sets realistic expectations. We have developed this primer to acquaint you with the process and to answer questions about timeframe and costs.