Conservation Easement, Ridge and Valley Cosnervancy

**Conservation Easement**
Conservation easements are the primary tool that Ridge and Valley Conservancy(RVC) uses to preserve land. They are the ideal tool for land owners who want their land preserved, but want to retain ownership. A Conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a private landowner and RVC that permanently restricts harmful uses and development of the property. Conservation easement are flexible and tailored to meet landowner's needs. Easements can be written that still permit agriculture, some types of forestry, recreation, and other open spaces. The easements generally prohibit all construction and any activity deemed harmful to the natural characteristics of the land. RVC is responsible for seeing that the restrictions are maintained over time and through all subsequent changes in ownership. Benefits to the landowner of a conservation easement include permanent preservation and likely income, property, and estate tax benefits. The landowner retains the right to sell, lease, or transfer the property. A conservation easement runs with the land; that is, the original owner and all subsequent owners are bound by the restriction of the easement. The responsibility of all future landowners is to use the property in ways consistent with the easement. The executed easement document is recorded at the County Recorder's Office. This enables all future owners and lenders to learn about the restrictions when they obtain title reports. Ridge and Valley Conservancy is responsible for upholding the terms of the easement, including legal enforcement if necessary. All easements are monitored. The land trust maintains a stewardship fund specifically earmarked for easement enforcement. Donors of conservation easements will be asked to contribute to this fund. There is no one size or type of property that would automatically make it suitable for a conservation easement. It depends on the conservation value of the land, the desire of the owner, and the level of development pressure. The Land Trust Alliance is another good source for protection information. Please do not hesitate to contact us at rvc@goes.com or (908) 362-7989 to discuss your property.

Conservation easements are the primary tool that Ridge and Valley Conservancy(RVC) uses to preserve land. They are the ideal tool for land owners who want their land preserved, but want to retain ownership.

A Conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a private landowner and RVC that permanently restricts harmful uses and development of the property.

Conservation easement are flexible and tailored to meet landowner's needs. Easements can be written that still permit agriculture, some types of forestry, recreation, and other open spaces. The easements generally prohibit all construction and any activity deemed harmful to the natural characteristics of the land. RVC is responsible for seeing that the restrictions are maintained over time and through all subsequent changes in ownership.

Benefits to the landowner of a conservation easement include permanent preservation and likely income, property, and estate tax benefits.

The landowner retains the right to sell, lease, or transfer the property. A conservation easement runs with the land; that is, the original owner and all subsequent owners are bound by the restriction of the easement.

The responsibility of all future landowners is to use the property in ways consistent with the easement. The executed easement document is recorded at the County Recorder's Office. This enables all future owners and lenders to learn about the restrictions when they obtain title reports.

Ridge and Valley Conservancy is responsible for upholding the terms of the easement, including legal enforcement if necessary. All easements are monitored. The land trust maintains a stewardship fund specifically earmarked for easement enforcement. Donors of conservation easements will be asked to contribute to this fund.

There is no one size or type of property that would automatically make it suitable for a conservation easement. It depends on the conservation value of the land, the desire of the owner, and the level of development pressure.

The Land Trust Alliance is another good source for protection information.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at rvc@goes.com
or (908) 362-7989 to discuss your property.

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Events and Fundraisers	Join our Efforts	Newsletters and Press	Resources and Links