A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement between a land owner and the Land Trust that legally restricts uses of the land in exchange for tax advantages. The principal objective of an agricultural conservation easement is to safeguard the availability of the farmland and the integrity of the community. The land remains in private ownership and is secured for agricultural and other permitted uses under the easement by the owner.
Selling or donating a conservation easement allows landowners to benefit now from the market value of their land by giving up rights to develop in exchange for income and/or estate tax benefits. Landowners can use the tax savings to settle estates, cash out family partnership interests or make improvements to their farms or ranches.
Contact us if you are interested in discussing conservation easement options for your property.
