Conservation Options
ORLT uses two methods of protecting land: 1) holding conservation easements and 2) owning land. Each is described below. Review the fact sheets provided at the links at the bottom of this page for additional information.
Conservation Easements
Most of ORLT staff's time is spent working with
landowners who want to donate a conservation easement on their land.
Conservation easements allow landowners to continue to own and enjoy their
land while agreeing to limit development.
Conservation easements are an attractive option to a
growing number of landowners across the country for a number of reasons:
· Conservation easements are flexible. Protected land can still be used in a variety of ways. For example, farmland protected by a conservation easement can still be used for farming and sustainable timber harvesting is permitted. Houses, barns, and similar structures are permitted within "building envelopes" while the rest of the land is kept in its undeveloped condition.
· Conservation easements are private. The land remains yours to enjoy and to sell or leave to heirs. Conservation easements do not require you to grant the public access to your land.
· Conservation easements may result in tax benefits. Protecting your land can reduce your income taxes and/or estate taxes.
·
Conservation easements are
permanent.
A conservation easement will
protect your land forever, meaning
that it
runs with the land, no matter who owns it.
Once an easement is signed, ORLT takes on the responsibility of
ensuring that its terms are followed.
ORLT Ownership
Some landowners decide to donate their land to ORLT outright for use as a nature preserve or other type of conservation area. This approach, in which ORLT owns and manages the land, can have tax benefits for a landowner as well.
Additional Information
To learn more about how conservation easements work review the fact sheets below and contact ORLT staff.
Fact Sheet: Frequently Asked Questions About Land Conservation
Fact Sheet: Conservation Easements