CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

The information presented below is excerpted and adapted with permission from Heritage Conservancy.

Saving farmland and other open space lands from development makes environmental and economic sense.

The True Costs of Sprawl

Saving Land Saves Money

 

Understanding Conservation Easements

What is a Conservation Easement?
Rights Retained by Landowners
Restrictions Placed on Properties
Calculating the Value of an Easement
Monitoring and Enforcing Easements
Costs to Establish and Maintain Easements
What is an Agricultural Conservation Easement

Beyond Basics: Easements Part II

Financial Benefits
Income Tax Benefits
Estate Tax Benefits
Property Tax Benefits
Other Tax Benefits

Acquiring an Easement
Appraisal
Agreement
Assessment
Documentation
Settlement

Stewardship
Monitoring the Easement
Enforcing the Easement Restrictions

 

Additional Information

   
Landowner's Options for Saving Family Lands

Conservation Easements - Questions & Answers

Glossary of Terms

Using Conservation Easements to Protect Open Space - A Guide for PA's Municipalities (PDF)

LandSavers Links & Resources

 

Local Land Trusts

Bedminster Land Conservancy

Heritage Conservancy

Tinicum Conservany