Conservation easements are given teeth through enforcement by the holder or a third party. Usually, enforcement is simply a matter of informing a purchaser of the easement on the land and monitoring that the land is used accordingly. However, if the terms of an easement are violated, the land trust may seek a remedy in court for the value of the violation. The Spirit of Conservation Easements But the technical details of conservation easements are far less interesting than the reasons people give them. Most easements are purchased, though some are given out of benevolence or as a means to see a beloved landscape maintained in the future.
Many conservation easements reduce the value of a piece of property.
As an example, the assessed value of farmland for subdivision is higher than the value as farmland. Giving away the right to subdivide reduces the value of the property. This benefits the landowner by reducing the tax burden of the property. Protecting Salmon Habitat Conservation easements can protect salmon habitat. Easements that protect riparian zones, prevent subdivision, or restrict mining activity or timber harvest on unstable slopes all benefit salmon habitat.