Conservation Easements
CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
We work extensively with Conservation Easements. These
easements are a useful tool for keeping family farms and
ranches intact and avoiding subdivisions, which compromise the
beauty of our rivers and the value of the surrounding land.
Conservation Easements can also provide attractive tax benefits
to the investor.
Under the terms of a Conservation Easement, the landowner
retains ownership of the land and is free to manage or sell the
property and enhance agricultural productivity and wildlife
habitat. The purpose of the Conservation Easement is to
restrict unsuitable or irrevocable development. Conservation
Easements are granted in perpetuity and run with the land
regardless of ownership. Despite common features precluding
subdivision and commercial development, each easement is
tailored to the unique character of the land and the
conservation desires of its owner.
A Conservation Easement fulfills different needs for different
landowners. For one family, it may be the vehicle by which a
farm or ranch is passed on to future generations. For another,
it preserves the watershed of a prized trout stream or a
wintering ground for elk. There is a story behind every
Conservation Easement, but the underlying reason is the
landowner's desire to preserve a special piece of land forever.
The donor of a Conservation Easement may be entitled to a
reduction in income and/or estate taxes if it is determined
that the easement meets Federal requirements as a charitable
gift and if it is donated to a qualified organization. The size
of the tax benefit is a function of the land and the
restrictions of the easement and is determined by an
independent appraiser.
