What is a conservation easement?

A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement that restricts the uses of a property to protect its conservation values. This agreement is often made between a landowner and a land trust or government agency, ensuring that the land will be preserved for conservation purposes, such as maintaining wildlife habitats, preserving open space, and protecting water quality.

By placing limits on potential development or certain activities, the conservation easement serves as a tool to maintain the ecological integrity of the land while allowing the owner to retain ownership. It is a critical strategy in land conservation as it balances private property rights with public interests in environmental protection.

Other options do not capture the essence of what a conservation easement entails; for instance, a grant for forest restoration reflects funding rather than a legal agreement, while a temporary ban on logging implies a prohibition that does not provide long-term protection. A community initiative to promote wildlife watching suggests engagement with local communities but does not involve the legal frameworks necessary for land preservation.