For example, some of the transferred rights may include the right to subdivide the property into smaller lots, erect billboards and cellular phone towers, and the like. By law, the land trust also is prevented from engaging in these activities. Thus, practically speaking, these rights are extinguished forever. Nevertheless, this agreement allows the landowner to retain many other property rights, such as living in the house or camp, cutting trees and managing the forest, hunting and hiking. Properties encumbered by a conservation easement can be sold, bequeathed or transferred as any other property, but all current and future owners are bound to the terms of the easement agreement.
Many different organizations purchase or acquire conservation easements in New York State.
Just around the Catskills there are a number of private, nonprofit land trusts as well as New York State and New York City conservation easement programs. These organizations hold conservation easements to fulfill a number of missions. While NYS and NYC may also protect such natural features, they each have other specific goals. NYS sometimes protects recreational trails and access leading across private land to state land. Within its watershed, NYC uses conservation easements to protect the quality of its water supply.