Who holds conservation easements?

Conservation easements are most commonly held by land trusts. In some cases, they may also be held by public agencies such as state wildlife departments or federal conservation programs, depending on the project structure and funding source.

The easement holder is responsible for long term stewardship, monitoring, and enforcement to ensure the conservation values outlined in the agreement are protected over time.

Why landowners consider conservation easements

Landowners pursue conservation easements for many reasons.

Some want to ensure their land remains intact beyond their lifetime. Others are motivated by protecting water resources, wildlife habitat, agricultural soils, or open space while continuing to live on and steward their land. In some cases, conservation easements may offer financial benefits, such as tax incentives or compensation, depending on the project and available funding.

What matters most is alignment. Conservation easements work best when the land’s conservation values are clear and when landowner goals align with permanent protection.

My role in conservation easements

I do not hold conservation easements or act as an easement holder.

My role is to help landowners understand their land protection options and determine whether a conservation easement may be appropriate given the conservation values present. When an easement appears to be a good fit, I assist with early evaluation and coordination and connect landowners with trusted land trusts or public agencies that are equipped to carry the process forward.

This often includes helping landowners clarify goals, understand the long term implications of permanent restrictions, and navigate conversations with conservation partners.

Conservation easements vs fee title ownership

There are multiple tools available to protect land and water, and no single approach is right for every property.

Conservation easements

With a conservation easement, the land remains privately owned. Specific uses are restricted to protect conservation values, while ownership and day to day stewardship stay with the landowner.

Easements are permanent and legally enforceable. They rely on ongoing monitoring and stewardship by the easement holder and can be powerful tools for protecting working lands and privately stewarded landscapes.

Fee title ownership for conservation

Fee title ownership means a conservation organization or public agency owns the land outright.

This approach is often used when the highest level of protection is needed. Sensitive watersheds, rare habitats, public access lands, or properties requiring long term restoration are frequently protected through fee title acquisition.

Fee title ownership allows the conservation owner to manage the land directly, adapt stewardship strategies over time, and ensure permanent protection without relying on private ownership or compliance.

In many cases, fee title ownership offers the strongest and most flexible form of long term conservation.

Choosing the right protection tool

Some properties are well suited for conservation easements. Others require fee title ownership to fully protect water resources, habitat connectivity, or public values. Often, the right approach depends on conservation values, landowner goals, funding availability, and long term stewardship needs.

Understanding these differences early helps landowners make informed decisions and ensures that land protection efforts are aligned, durable, and effective over time.