Conservation Easement

North Carolina’s Heartland is changing rapidly. As the area continues to grow exponentially, many concerned citizens seek the means to make a personal contribution towards the conservation of this region’s unique character and natural resources. Conservation easements can provide this means.

Conservation easements are voluntary, legal agreements that permanently protect land from subdivision and intensive development. The easement conserves the natural characteristics of your land, and also offers you and your family substantial estate and income tax benefits. Conservation easements are negotiable documents that match owners’ property-use needs with long term benefits to their community.

Conservation easements are:

Voluntary
Conservation easements are completely voluntary and appropriate for landowners who wish to permanently protect the land they love.

Private
Conservation easements do not require access to your land by the public- you retain control of who visits your land. Three Rivers Land Trust will not publicize a conservation easement without your permission.

Permanent
Conservation easements with the Land Trust permanently protect land. To qualify for tax benefits, a conservation easement must be made in perpetuity. Although future owners must abide by the easement terms, the land can be bought, sold and inherited the same as all other lands. A competent title search will disclose the easement to future owners.

Flexible
Conservation easements are as unique as the land they protect. The easement can be crafted to meet the specific needs of the owner.

A conservation easement creates a permanent legacy. It is a wonderful way to honor the memory of a family member who instilled a love and respect for land in subsequent generations. Such a decision should not be made in haste. Our staff will meet with landowners and their families to discuss all aspects of a conservation easement.

For more information, contact Emily Callicutt at emily@trlt.org.