Land conservation is a voluntary partnership between a landowner and a land trust, community, or government agency.

Landowners, citizens, and communities may have similar reasons for protecting special places. Depending on a landowner’s goals and the natural resources of the property, there are several methods for long-term conservation, including conservation easements, deed restrictions, or transferring full ownership to SELT.

Conservation Easements

Conservation easements allow a landowner to retain ownership while ensuring the permanent conservation of a property. A conservation easement limits the uses of the property and conveys certain rights to a qualified non-profit organization like SELT or to a governmental agency, who agrees to monitor and enforce the terms of the easement.

Deed Restrictions

Deed restrictions are placed on a property at the time of conveyance to another party. Deed restrictions are only enforceable by the landowner and the landowner’s heirs and adjacent landowners who benefit from the restriction. Deed restrictions are simpler than conservation easements, but not as strong.

Transfer Full Ownership

Transferring full ownership of land to SELT – or another qualified conservation organization – either through a donation, will, or sale, can best secure the long-term conservation of certain properties. By doing so, a landowner no longer is responsible for paying property taxes and managing the property, while knowing that the land is being stewarded and conserved.