Conservation Easements
Protecting wild & working lands in Southern Wisconsin.
Photo: SWLC land management crew monitoring a prescribed burn.
What is a Conservation Easement?
A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization. It limits certain activities on a property to protect its natural, scenic, or cultural values. By permanently restricting development and preserving the land's unique features, conservation easements play an important role in safeguarding our environment, maintaining biodiversity, and preserving important cultural and historic sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why would I want a conservation easement on my property?
A: Conservation easements can provide financial incentives, tax benefits, and the satisfaction of preserving the natural beauty and habitat of the properties you cherish. CE’s also have the most robust legal enforceability compared to other legal provisions, ensuring your land will remain protected from development in perpetuity.
Q: How much do conservation easements cost the landowner?
A: The cost of a conservation easement varies but often includes legal fees, appraisals, and potential transaction costs. Some organizations offer financial incentives to offset these costs.
Q: Can I continue farming my CE land?
A: Yes, in many cases, you can continue farming your land under a conservation easement, but there may be a request to implement sustainable agricultural practices to protect the environment.
Q: What kinds of activities will be restricted on my property?
A: Restrictions in a conservation easement typically target activities that could harm the conservation values of the land, such as large-scale development or certain types of logging.
Q: How do I know if my land is conservation-worthy?
A: Your land may be conservation-worthy if it contains natural habitats, critical ecosystems, endangered species, or significant cultural or historical value. Conservation organizations can help assess its suitability.
Interested in attaining a conservation easement on your property? Consider becoming an member to gain exclusive access to materials like step-by-step checklists and guides.