A conservation easement (CE) is a legal vehicle that identifies and protects specific conservation value on a property and is uniquely negotiated for each property. In this case, the landowner continues to maintain ownership of the property, and Cardinal owns the conservation easement associated with the property. The conservation easement requires that the property be used in such a manner that will not impact or interfere with the land’s conservation values. Conservation easements are often used to ensure that land remains in agricultural use. Conservation easements may be acquired by Cardinal through donation or purchase, and they remain with the property regardless of ownership – meaning that even if the original landowner sells the property, the conservation easement remains in force and continues to be owned by Cardinal. Easements are monitored annually for compliance with the recorded restrictions.

In short…

• A conservation easement is a legal document — an agreement between the landowner and the land trust that accepts it. It is a deed restriction that permanently limits a property’s future uses.
• Landowners continue to own their home and land — and live there. They can also mortgage the property, lease it, sell it, or pass it on to their heirs.
• Each CE document is individually drafted to meet the personal needs of the landowner.
• The CE is donated or transferred in a bargain sale to Cardinal which in turn agrees to monitor the land to assure that the conditions of the easement are met over time.
• The CE is recorded in the County Recorder’s office, and becomes part of the property’s title.
• Future owners of the property are bound by the CE’s terms.