|
Conservation Easements
What
they are and how they protect open space In the land protection business and in almost every open space plan in Colorado, the words “conservation easements”
are commonly heard. Even our governor spent time in his inaugural address promoting the use of conservation
easements as an important tool that protects open space and private property rights all at lower cost than outright purchase
of property. The Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC), like most other non-profit land conservation groups, relies
on conservation easements to protect open space. But what is a conservation easement and how does it work
to permanently protect open space? A conservation easement is a legal agreement signed by a property owner and an accredited agency, either
a non-profit land trust, (DLC for instance) or a government agency (such as a town or county). The conservation
easement is recorded in the county clerk and recorder’s office. This legal agreement permanently
restricts uses of the property that would negatively impact the natural values of the land. In our part
of Colorado this means most, if not all, subdivision and development rights are given up, along with some commercial uses
(surface mining or large scale feed lots are good examples). These rights are given to DLC and they are
extinguished. Historical uses of the property, including ranching, hunting and existing residences are
allowed under most easements. Conservation easements stay with the title to the land from owner to owner,
ensuring the permanent protection of property. Each conservation easement, like
each property, is unique. Every conservation easement is negotiated between the landowner and the conservation
group. In some cases, very limited development is allowed (such as a ranch family retaining the right to
build a new home for one of their children). This is determined on a case by case basis and always takes
into account the natural values of the property we are protecting. Public access is not a requirement of
a conservation easement. Many families grant easements so that they will be able to pass down their treasured
property for future generations to enjoy. DLC’s responsibilities do not stop once the easement
is written. In fact, the moment the easement is signed is just the beginning of our involvement with the
land and the landowners. DLC is responsible for monitoring compliance with the easement provisions in perpetuity.
At least once a year a representative from DLC will visit the property to ensure that no violations of the easement
provisions have occurred. Violations are rare and we use our monitoring visits as a way to catch up with
the landowners who are the stewards of the property. Most conservation easements are donated by landowners who simply wish to see their property stay as
open space. For those who donate easements, there are nice tax incentives. The value
of the development and other rights given up are a donation to charity (DLC is a charitable non-profit organization) and can
be treated as such on tax returns. Depending upon the situation, there may also be estate and property
tax incentives. In very limited cases, conservation easements can be purchased, paying landowners for the
development rights and allowing them to stay on the land and continue traditional uses. This approach has
been effective with agricultural landowners across the nation. Conservation easement transactions, while inexpensive, are not free of
costs. Significant staff and legal time goes into each transaction. DLC relies on member
contributions to fund much of this work. However, it is a cost effective conservation tool that sets aside
important open space without having to purchase property. For more information on conservation easements,
please contact us directly. Douglas Land Conservancy.
|
