A land conservation easement is a legally binding agreement between a landowner and a land trust organization (like BLC) that permanently restricts certain types of development on property in order to protect the land’s natural, agricultural, cultural, and scenic value.
About land conservation easement agreements
Voluntary. Conservation easements are voluntary and do not require public access. You retain your private property rights pursuant to the agreement.
You still own and manage the land. You can sell it, bequeath it, give it to your kids or family, or any combination thereof. The easement agreement runs with the land.
Flexible. Farming, hunting, forestry, home-based businesses, non-commercial recreational uses, and a limited number of house sites and/or property divisions are permitted, if they are compatible with the land’s conservation values.
Tailored to you. Each farmland conservation agreement is unique to the farm and to your vision for your property.
Versatile. Woodlands, wildlife habitat, streams, wetlands, and cultural resources can all be conserved in the same agreement along with productive farmland, if you choose.
Estate planning benefits. Conserving your land can help with your estate planning and may significantly reduce your estate taxes, allowing for a smoother transition to the next generation.
Tax savings. You may also greatly reduce your federal income tax liability for several years, starting the year you conserve your land. This might help offset capital gains as well.
