A conservation easement is a voluntary, legal agreement that permanently limits the uses of land to protect its conservation values in perpetuity. Across the country, conservation easements have become one of the most popular methods of conserving natural lands, working farms, and clean waters forever. Notably, conservation easements allow landowners to maintain private ownership, including the right to own, use, sell, lease, and bequest the land while safeguarding its conservation benefits for future generations. Since the land remains in private ownership, conservation easements are not open to the general public.

NCLC is a national leader in the development of conservation easements that protect natural and working lands. Our professional staff are here to serve as an active partner for each conservation easement landowner to ensure that the conservation values of their properties are protected. Through its 219 conservation easements, NCLC has worked with hundreds of individuals and families to fulfill their vision for the land and permanently protect more than 6,000 acres across Litchfield and Northern Fairfield Counties.