What is a conservation easement?

A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement that restricts development on a property in order to protect its conservation values. These agreements are often used to preserve natural habitats, agricultural land, and scenic areas by placing limits on how the land can be used. Typically, the property owner retains ownership, but they agree to these restrictions, which can be enforced by a land trust or government agency.

The main goal of a conservation easement is to ensure that the land remains undeveloped and retains its ecological, historical, or aesthetic qualities for future generations. This approach balances the private property rights of the landowner with the public interest in conservation, allowing for sustainable use while preventing potentially harmful development.

The other options presented do not accurately describe a conservation easement. Grants for forest restoration projects focus on funding specific initiatives, while a temporary ban on logging is a management tool to address immediate concerns rather than a lasting legal agreement. A community initiative to promote wildlife watching represents a different type of engagement with natural resources and does not involve the legal framework of a conservation easement.