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Conservation Easements
Placing a conservation easement (CE) on a property is an option for private landowners desiring to protect the conservation values of their property such as waterways, wildlife, soil, and plants. A CE is a voluntary, legally binding agreement between a landowner and a land trust, such as Prairie Land Conservancy, or another agency. The CE permanently protects the conservation values of a property by defining allowed uses. The landowner can continue to own and use their land, but they can also choose to sell it or pass it on to their heirs. CEs are flexible. The CE agreement is the product of respectful consultation between the landowner, advisers and consultants, and Prairie Land Conservancy. Each CE is developed with consideration for the conservation values of the individual property and the land owner's long-term desires for conservation. While CEs in most cases restrict future development and commercial endeavors, many other terms may be negotiated. Some topics that may need to be considered: |
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Stewardship of Conservation Easements
Prairie Land Conservancy upholds the responsibility of annual monitoring to assure the terms of the CE are followed. Our system for monitoring allows us to keep track of any changes that happen to the land over time. If there are any questions or worries, we will make sure to communicate with the landowner as needed.
Financial Benefits
If a land owner donates a CE to Prairie Land Conservancy, they may be eligible for income tax, property tax, or estate tax benefits. However, the value of the easement can differ significantly, so it's crucial to plan carefully. If a landowner is contemplating donating property as a CE, it is advisable to seek advice from their attorney and financial adviser regarding the possible effects of such a donation on their personal tax circumstances.
Prairie Land Conservancy upholds the responsibility of annual monitoring to assure the terms of the CE are followed. Our system for monitoring allows us to keep track of any changes that happen to the land over time. If there are any questions or worries, we will make sure to communicate with the landowner as needed.
Financial Benefits
If a land owner donates a CE to Prairie Land Conservancy, they may be eligible for income tax, property tax, or estate tax benefits. However, the value of the easement can differ significantly, so it's crucial to plan carefully. If a landowner is contemplating donating property as a CE, it is advisable to seek advice from their attorney and financial adviser regarding the possible effects of such a donation on their personal tax circumstances.
Land Management Assistance
Prairie Land Conservancy would be glad to consult with you regarding steps you might take in the process of considering donating your land, may that be a Conservation Easement or the other options we discuss on our other page in the drop down menu.
Please do not hesitate to call or email our office to ask any questions about this process.
director@prairiehillsrcd.org
309.833.4747
Prairie Land Conservancy makes every effort to give you accurate information. You should also consult your trusted professionals for legal, financial, insurance, or estate planning advice. The staff of PLC is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services.
director@prairiehillsrcd.org
309.833.4747
Prairie Land Conservancy makes every effort to give you accurate information. You should also consult your trusted professionals for legal, financial, insurance, or estate planning advice. The staff of PLC is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services.