WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT?

A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust, that permanently limits certain uses of a property to protect its conservation values. These values can include natural habitats, scenic vistas, agricultural lands, and historical or cultural sites. The landowner voluntarily agrees to place restrictions on the property’s development, subdivision, or other activities that could harm its conservation values. Conservation easements are tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of each property and are perpetual, meaning they last indefinitely and bind all future landowners. While the landowner retains ownership of the property, the land trust holds the conservation easement and ensures that its conservation values are preserved in perpetuity.

ANNUAL MONITORING

As the conservation easement holder, the Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust conducts annual monitoring to guarantee that the easement’s terms endure indefinitely. This process also allows our stewardship team to intimately engage with the land and its owners. Annual site visits play a crucial role in fostering and nurturing strong relationships with landowners, facilitating exchanges of ideas on property management and addressing any forthcoming changes or updates. This enduring collaboration serves to safeguard the conservation values inherent in each property, ensuring their protection over time.