water resources for the benefit of everyone.
What are the benefits of a land trust to a community? - Lands that are preserved as open space are useful in the ecological chain and
promote protection for wildlife. Additional benefits include the reduction of water pollution, prevention of flooding and conservation of water
resources by setting aside vital lands. Preserved open space in neighborhoods help maintain the unique character of the area, improve
property resale values and provide for green spaces can remain undeveloped in perpetuity.
What is a conservation easement? - A conservation easement (or conservation restriction) is a 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. It allows you to
continue to own and use your land and to sell it or pass it on to heirs.
When you donate a conservation easement to a land trust, you give up some of the rights associated with the land. For example, you might
give up the right to build additional structures, while retaining the right to grow crops. Future owners also will be bound by the easement's
terms. The land trust is responsible for making sure the easement's terms are followed.
Conservation easements offer great flexibility. An easement on property containing rare wildlife habitat might prohibit any development, for
example, while one on a farm might allow continued farming and the building of additional agricultural structures. An easement may apply to
just a portion of the property, and need not require public access. {definition extracted from lta.org}
