Conservation Easements
Conservation easements - whereby development rights are sold, restricting by deed some types of development - are fueling a boom in land conservation and helping to protect more than 6 million acres nationwide. "Easements have helped safeguard fragile ecosystems, critical watersheds, land bordering national parks and some of the nation's most stunning vistas." However, the following article notes proliferating problems and abuses as they gain in popularity - including use for tax evasion and failure to enforce development restrictions. It would be a shame to see this important conservation instrument lost as a result of these abuses.
