This naturally beautiful area of ours is one of the world's most scenic and ecologically rich places. Many local landowners, large and small, would like to see their holdings permanently protected and passed on to their families intact, free of unwanted change or development.

The "conservation easement" offers a practical way for landowners to accomplish this objective while retaining their ownership. lt is a legal restriction that a landowner places on his or her property to define and limit the type of development that may take place there. Generally, conservation easements are donated to a non-profit conservation organization (such as the RCLC) or to a public agency, which then takes the responsibility to inspect the land periodically and enforce the restrictions in perpetuity.

Each easement is drafted individually, tailored to fit the natural characteristics of the land, the personal vision of the landowner for the property's future use, and the goals of the Conservancy. Once executed and filed, the easement becomes part of the title to the property and all future owners must accept the property subject to the easement's restrictions. Since such restrictions may affect the market value of the property, there could be tax benefits to be realized.

If you feel that such an easement might meet your needs, please contact the Conservancy for further information and guidance.