Conservation Easements
A conservation easement is a voluntary, legal agreement that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. Also known as a conservation restriction or conservation agreement, a conservation easement is one option to protect a property for future generations. Conservation easements are beneficial because they are protecting properties with unique conservation values such as farms and ranches that help provide local food, sustain the local economy, protect, and maintain wildlife habitat.
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The landowner retains ownership of the property after a conservation easement is conveyed.
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The landowner will choose the land trust that best suits their goals, objectives, and interests and will negotiate the specific terms of the deed of conservation easement.
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The conveyance of a donated conservation easement typically takes between 9 to 18 months to complete after it is approved by the Board of CCALT. However, purchased easements can take as long as 3 to 5 years, due to the amount of time it takes to secure funding and the various funding entities’ approval processes.
Other Conservation Easement Resources
Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust
Colorado West Land Trust - Introduction to Conservation Easements
Colorado West Land Trust - Steps to a Conservation Easement
State of Colorado Dept. of Conservation
State of Colorado Conservation Easement Tax Credit