The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Public benefits of conservation easements:

• Protect water quality
• Conserve wildlife habitat
• Preserve open space
• Preserve farmland, ranchland, timberland
• Maintain character of rural communities
• Buffer public lands
• Maintain landscapes for tourism
• Require less in public services, generate more in local revenues
• Stretch public conservation dollars

Highlights of the Public Benefits of Conservation Easements

Conservation easements conserve watersheds and aquifers, helping ensure a clean supply of water for public use. In the Pawcatuck Borderlands between Connecticut and Rhode Island, for example, easements are in place to protect the water supply for millions of residents.

Conservation easements buffer Canyonlands, Yellowstone, Shenandoah, Glacier and other of our most treasured national parks and public lands. As “buffers,” easement lands keep development from pressing up against park borders and protect migratory corridors for elk, wolves, bears and other wide-ranging animals.

Conservation easements protect open space and enhance the quality of life in rapidly growing urban and suburban areas. Open space preserves scenic beauty and underpins quality tourism while giving local residents “breathing room.”

Conservation easements preserve agricultural lands, from family farms to ranches to timberlands. Easement lands on which use is restricted to agriculture often generate more in local revenues than they require in community services.