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Introduction to EVLT and Conservation Easements
EVLT’s Approach to Conservation
Eagle Valley Land Trust partners with willing landowners to support their efforts to conserve the lands we love forever. We are proud to work with a variety of entities including private landowners, local government, and local nonprofits. EVLT is your local land trust – we are members of this community here to support landowners like you who own, manage, and steward the land and its natural resources including wildlife habitat, agricultural land, and open space.
What is a conservation easement?
Conservation easements are voluntary agreements between landowners and a qualified conservation organization that permanently protect specific conservation values and limit development and subdivision of properties. Easements are permanent and stay with the land through any and all conveyances of the property. Each easement is unique and is tailored to the specific landowner and the conservation values on the property. Examples of conservation values include wildlife habitat, open space, agricultural lands, public access and education, scenic vistas, and historic properties. While conservation easements restrict development and subdivision, they do not restrict the landowner’s ability to continue to use the land for traditional uses, including grazing, crop production, hunting, fishing, and low impact recreation. Conservation easements do not require public access.
Who owns the land after a conservation easement is conveyed?
The landowner retains ownership of the property after a conservation easement is conveyed. The conservation easement conveys only certain rights to the designated Grantee, the other party to the agreement, usually a land trust. The rights that are conveyed can include the right to develop or subdivide – these rights are then extinguished.
What rights are typically retained by the landowner after a conservation easement is conveyed?
The landowner retains full ownership of the property, including, but not limited to, the right to sell, lease, convey, or otherwise transfer the property; the right to continue existing agricultural operations or customary enterprises; and the right to control access.
How long does a conservation easement encumber a property?
Conservation easements are perpetual documents and will encumber the property forever, regardless of ownership.
Who can hold a conservation easement?
In order for the landowner to realize tax and financial benefits, they must work with a Grantee that is accredited by the Land Trust Alliance (LTA) and certified by the State to hold Conservation Easements. EVLT is a 501(c)3 independent nonprofit land trust that is accredited by LTA and certified by the state to hold conservation easements – we are the only local organization serving the greater Eagle County area.
What are the benefits of a conservation easement?
Conserving the Lands We Love Forever
Conservation easements ensure the lands we love and depend on will always be available for agricultural production, wildlife habitat, and scenic open spaces. These agreements can help to conserve a landowner’s legacy into the future and ensure future generations have clean air and water, as well as the breathtaking views we enjoy today.
Conserving land with a conservation easement can help to maintain economic viability in our community by stabilizing and promoting agriculture and the businesses that support agriculture – one of the drivers of our local economy. Easements also serve to help communities to work together to perpetuate the natural resources, open space, wildlife habitat, and scenery that drive our local recreation and tourism economy.
Financial and Tax Incentives
Landowners who sell or donate development rights through perpetual conservation easements may be eligible for certain financial and tax benefits through direct cash payments, federal income tax deductions, additional estate tax exemptions, and transferrable state income tax credits. Proceeds from direct cash payments and/or sale of transferable state tax credits may help landowners reinvest in their property or save for long term expenses. Conservation easements also reduce the value of the land, which may make it easier to transfer the land to the next generation.
How much does it cost to convey a conservation easement?
Depending on the transaction, the conveyance of a conservation easement may cost between $75,000 and $175,000 per transaction. Transaction cost assistance may be available, ask EVLT staff for details.
What effect does a conservation easement have on the value of the property?
A conservation easement will typically reduce the value of a property between 25% and 65%, depending on the terms of the conservation easement.
What is EVLT’s relationship with local governments?
EVLT is a private nonprofit organization. While our local community leaders also care about permanently conserving important lands to benefit the public, EVLT has no formal relationship with local government agencies. However, EVLT can partner with local governments. For example, EVLT may partner with Eagle County on conservation projects that utilize the County’s Open Space Fund.