Photo courtesy Dr. Robert Heyding
What is a Conservation Easement?
An easement is a legal agreement registered on the title of the land that documents land use limitations mutually decided by the landowner and the Trust. It also ensures that these limitations can be legally defended. The restricted activities are negotiated between you and the Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust. You help to decide whether to restrict snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles, protect wild flowers, prevent filling of wet lands, prevent clear cutting, or any other activity you specify.
Conservation easements offer a number of unique innovative strategies for landowners.
- Landowners can permanently protect their land without giving up ownership.
- Landowners can continue to live on the land, use, sell it or pass it on to heirs.
- Easements can be tailored to satisfy the desires of the landowner and apply to all or only a portion of a property.
Conservation easements provide a great opportunity for landowners to participate in creatively conserving their lands. Since the easement is registered on title, the restrictions are granted to the Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust in perpetuity. HPELT can legally enforce the restrictions in the easement against subsequent landowners that fail to manage the land responsibly.
When you and your neighbors place an easement on your lands, you can be a part of creating a nature reserve in your backyard!
What next?
Interested landowners should contact Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust to arrange a meeting with HPELT to discuss your conservation vision!
For more information, see our FAQ page.