GOCO was created in 1992 to allocate lottery funds for the purchase of open space, parks and other public lands. On large projects, these grants are often used in conjunction with private fundraising efforts to achieve results that would be unattainable without public-private cooperation. Conservation easements are perpetual restrictions that run with the title to the land. Only in rare circumstances are they changed. An amendment to a conservation easement must be consistent with the terms and conservation intent of the original agreement.
Management is left entirely to the landowner, within the limits of the easement.
On conserved ranches, all generally accepted agricultural practices are permitted. Annual monitoring visits through our Conservation Stewardship Program ensure that the intent of the easement is fulfilled. There is no Land Trust involvement with daily ranch operations. Although some landowners choose to allow public access in various forms according to the terms of an easement, most of them keep the right to regulate public use as they wish. Sometimes we receive title to land through bequests or gifts.