Because every situation is unique, the Vermont Land Trust offers several different means of conserving those productive and scenic lands that give Vermont and its communities their rural character. Some of these conservation techniques involve project costs and long-term stewardship costs. How these costs are covered varies based on individual project circumstances. The conservation easement is the most widely used land protection tool available to landowners. Donating a conservation easement protects the land permanently, yet keeps it in private ownership.
Easements are flexible and easily tailored to meet a landowner's needs.
As part of giving a conservation easement, the landowner, working with the Land Trust, identifies specific permitted uses of the property. These normally include agriculture, forestry, recreation, and other open space uses. The easement limits or prohibits certain activities, including industrial, commercial, and residential development. Conservation easements are designed to conserve forever the important resource values of each property. An easement may cover portions of a property or the entire parcel.