Private Land | The Nature Conservancy

Ranchers (Jim and the late Mel Coleman) in San Luis Valley, Colorado, United States, North America. Mel Coleman, who passed away in February 2002, believed that raising cattle without the use of any growth stimulants, antibiotics or hormone implants was a better way to raise cattle. His vision was to make sure that food would be safe for future generations. Coleman believed that the rotational grazing practices instituted by the Coleman family have proven that raising cattle the right way is helpful to the environment and helps wildlife by improving the riparian habitats. They have placed a conservation easement on their ranch in Saguache, Colorado with the Colorado Cattleman's Agricultural Trust and continue to actively practice ecologically sensitive ranching practices. Mel served on Colorado's Board of Trustees from 1997 until his death. © Will Van Overbeek

Conservation Easements Keep Land in Private Hands, Preserve Traditional Land Uses and Protect Land for Future Generations

Easements protect land for future generations while allowing landowners to retain many private property rights and to live on and use their land as they have traditionally. At the same time, easements offer landowners potential tax benefits if donated, or revenue from the sale of an easement.

Benefits of conservation easements for landowners: