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A conservation easement is a voluntary but legally binding agreement between a landowner and a land trust to preserve all - or some - of a property’s natural values. The easement states how the owner will protect these values. Usually the land owner gives up substantial development rights, but retains title to the land. The owner continues to live on the land and use it, and he can sell it, or pass it to heirs.  Subsequent owners are also bound by the terms of the easement. Throughout the nation, conservation easements help thousands of families protect millions of acres of open space. For more information check out our brochure:   Financial Benefits of Conservation Easements FROM A LANDOWNER: “Twenty years ago I bought a small farm along the Delaware River.  I love this land, and don’t ever want to see it subdivided. But I didn’t know how to prevent it. Then I called the Delaware Highlands Conservancy.  They helped me draft a conservation easement that prohibits any subdivision.  I gave my development rights to the Conservancy, and they will ensure that those rights are never exercised. My easement allows me to continue to farm, to operate a home business, or to run a fruit stand to sell my farm produce.  I can even replace or enlarge my home, as long as I don’t build too close to the river. In exchange I received a significant income tax deduction from the IRS. This reduced the amount of federal income tax that I will pay for the next six years. The Conservancy visits once a year to insure that the easement is honored.  I know they are serious about protecting my land, and I rest easy knowing my farm will forever remain as it is today.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ©2010 Delaware Highlands Conservancy Site Created By: Computer Wizardry, Inc.