Conservation easements are tools used to restrict development and protect natural areas in perpetuity. When property owners put land under a conservation easement, they give up development rights in exchange for tax benefits. Suitable properties have ecological value: streams, woods, or undeveloped land.

To learn about the structure of conservation easements, view Pennsylvania Land Trust Association’s model conservation easement. All conservation easements follow the model, so it should give a sense of how conservation easement on your property would look.

Pennsylvania Land Trust Association also provides information about tax benefits of conservation easements. The Conservancy does not provide estimates for potential tax savings. While the financial element is an important part of the process, the Conservancy strives to work with property owners who have a real interest in preserving land.