In Connecticut, for example, conservation easements are authorized by statute. The easements, used to retain land or water areas in their natural, scenic or open condition, must be acquired by a governmental body or charitable corporation. In New Jersey, approved non-profit conservation organizations receive a tax exemption for land that is used for conservation purposes. In Idaho, land used for wildlife habitat is eligible for property tax reductions. Similarly, in Indiana, as in several other states, property tax reductions are available for land classified by the state as forest or fish and wildlife habitat.
Some states protect private land through purchasing development rights.
In Connecticut, for example, the state is legally permitted to purchase development rights for agricultural lands. This encourages landowners to manage their lands for biodiversity conservation without losing their property value. In addition, states often can get more conservation value for the dollar by purchasing an interest in land instead of buying it outright.