Land conservation

Land conservation easements are legal agreements between a landowner and a qualified conservation organization that permanently limits a property’s uses in order to protect its conservation values. This agreement stays in place even when the property changes hands. The easement is a recorded deed restriction, and the right to enforce the restriction is given to a tax-exempt charitable organization, normally known as a “land trust.” In its most basic form, a conservation easement will protect land against future real estate development, industrial use, and many potential commercial uses. A conservation easement protects some important conservation qualities of your land, such as habitat, open space, agricultural or forestry use, or scenic views. Landowners maintain the right to do a lot of different things with their property. A conservation easement generally allows you to continue current uses, including, for example, residential and recreational use, agriculture, forestry, or ranching. Landowners may make independent decisions regarding the buildings, agricultural activities, or forest management related to their parcel. Every conservation easement is different and must be tailored to meet the needs of a particular landowner and piece of land.

Redstart began working on land conservation easements in 2003 when the Orange County Headwaters Project began. This project, steered by a Board of landowners, seeks to bring landowners in Washington and Corinth, Vermont together to conserve their properties more cost-effectively and with great long-term benefits to the community by protecting large, contiguous areas that have broad ecological, forestry, wildlife, and recreational value. This relatively small community-based project has gained momentum and capabilities beyond its original scope by forming partnerships with established conservation organizations, environmental groups, and academic institutions. This strong local commitment and collaborative approach has led land conservation professionals to suggest that OCHP may provide a new model for use by other communities.

 

In addition to coordinating the Headwaters Project, Redstart has worked with landowners in surrounding towns to assist them in conserving their land through the use of conservation easements. Most of these parcels are a combination of wooded and open land, a mix of forests, farms, and fields. The Vermont Land Trust, Upper Valley Land Trust , Conservation Fund, and Castanea Foundation are key partners that make these land conservation projects happen.

Redstart is available to landowners and organizations to advise on matters related to conservation easements for forested and farm parcels. We believe land conservation is the key to maintaining a working landscape and protecting the rural way of life.