What is the purpose of a conservation easement?

A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement that limits certain uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. This type of easement is primarily aimed at restricting land development to preserve ecological integrity, wildlife habitats, and natural resources, thereby ensuring that the land remains in its natural state or is managed sustainably. The primary intention is to prevent activities that could lead to ecological degradation while allowing the land to be used in a manner consistent with conservation goals.

While some might think that urban development could play a role in land management, conservation easements specifically seek to safeguard the environment against such activities. The increase in land value is often a consideration but is not the primary goal of conservation easements; rather, the focus is on ecological benefits. Similarly, while recreational access can be a benefit of some conservation easements, the core purpose remains the ecological protection of the land itself.