What is a Conservation Easement?

A conservation easement is a restriction on the use of property. It is a recorded deed restriction, and the right to enforce the restriction is given to a tax-exempt charitable organization or government agency.

• It protects the land against future real estate development and protects the important conservation quality of the land such as habitat, open space or scenic views.
  
• The landowner continues to own the land; it does not become open to public access. Subject to the terms of the agreement (which are worked out between the parties), current uses such as ranching or farming can continue as before.
• The landowner gets a tax deduction for the value of the development rights to the land (which can be the majority of the value of land in Placitas). The taxable value of the land also decreases which results in a savings on property taxes.
• The community gets land set aside from development in perpetuity.

For anyone who would like to learn more about such strategies, LPA now has two easy to read books, Preserving Family Lands: Book I and Book II that are available for borrowing. Contact Lolly Jones at 771-8020.

Current LPA Conservation Easements

• Conservation Easement - 20 acres south of Highway 165 in Placitas, NM

Conservation Easement Links