Conservation Easements – Landowner Guide – The Pathway to Conservation

Published: June 21, 2024

Published by SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate, “Conservation Easements – Landowner Guide – The Pathway to Conservation” provides an overview of conservation easements, their benefits, legal considerations, and tax implications. The publication features content authored by Dean Mead attorneys Austin Alderman, Stephen R. Looney, Michael D. Minton, and Brian M. Stephens:

• Tax Strategies & Implications
• Creation of an Easement by Donation and Tax Consequences
• Property Tax Advantages of a Conservation Easement

Following are excerpts from the Guide, which may be reviewed in its entirety by clicking here.

—

A conservation easement represents a voluntary, legally binding agreement between a landowner and either a government agency or a non-governmental conservation organization. This agreement aims to maintain the land in its natural habitat, agricultural, and/or open space uses. The agreement is generally customized to meet the landowner’s and conservation agency’s objectives and, in most cases, is perpetual.

Not only is the number of conservation easements bought by federal, state, and local governments expanding, but the demand from conservation organizations is also growing. In addition to the benefit of protecting property, conservation easements can provide landowners with certain tax benefits and advantages. To best serve clients, this guide serves as a valuable resource for landowners, conservation organizations, and stakeholders interested in land conservation and sustainable land management practices.