A conservation easement is a landowner’s voluntary agreement to permanently restrict the use and development of their property. Easements protect fish and wildlife, working farms, scenic views, and other natural areas. Easements also enable the landowner to continue to own, farm, and use the property subject to the terms of the conservation easement. Indeed, the landowner may sell, lease, bequeath, or mortgage the property, although the property always remains subject to the conservation easement.

Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy has a set of standards for the conservation easements that are accepted into our catalog of protected properties. Among other standards, an acceptable easement must be granted in perpetuity, have significant conservation value, and fit into the organization’s  mission and geographic scope. Additionally, in order to be eligible for federal tax benefits, a donated conservation easement must meet strict federal standards. Such requirements include: the protection of a relatively natural habitat or ecosystem for fish, wildlife, and plants; the preservation of open space (including farmland and forest land) either for the scenic enjoyment of the general public or pursuant to a clearly delineated governmental policy and that will yield a “significant public benefit;” the preservation of a historically important land area; and/or the preservation of land areas for outdoor recreation by, or education of, the general public.

Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy’s experience with conservation easements spans more than fifty-five years and over two hundred transactions. Our highly skilled professional staff works with landowners to memorialize their conservation vision. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your interest in conservation easement donation. For more information, please contact Catherine Rawson, Executive Director, at (860) 927-1927 or by email at catherine@weantinoge.org.