What does "conservation easement" mean?

A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement designed to protect specific conservation values associated with a property, primarily by limiting certain types of development and uses. This legal tool allows landowners to maintain ownership of their land while ensuring its ecological, scenic, or open space values are preserved for future generations. The restrictions imposed by the easement are tailored to align with the conservation goals of both the landowner and the conservation organization or government entity involved in the agreement.

In this context, conservation easements play a crucial role in safeguarding natural habitats, agricultural lands, and open spaces from the pressures of urban sprawl or other forms of development that could degrade the environment. By focusing on the protection of conservation values rather than development or enhancing property value, these agreements contribute significantly to land conservation efforts.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a conservation easement. They suggest various approaches to development or land use that do not align with the core purpose of a conservation easement, which is to restrict development for the sake of conservation.