---
title: A Landowner's Guide to Conservation Easements
description: Discover the benefits of conservation easements for private land, like significant tax benefits, plant & wildlife preservation, land protection, and more.
image: https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hubfs/GettyImages-949127862.jpg
---

[Skip to main content](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/a-landowners-guide-to-conservation-easements#Main)

[![Raydient Rural Logo](https://www.raydientrural.com/images/RR_Header_Logo.png)](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/)

- Search Our Communities
  
  
  
  Close
  
  
  
    - [Land For Sale](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/)
    - Alabama
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Alabama Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/)
          - [Baldwin County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/baldwin-county/)
          - [Butler County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/butler-county/)
          - [Coffee County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/coffee-county/)
          - [Covington County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/covington-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Old Salt Road](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/covington-county/old-salt-road/)
          - [Crenshaw County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/crenshaw-county/)
          - [View all in Alabama](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/)
    - Florida
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Florida Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/)
          - [Baker County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/baker-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Steel Bridge](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/baker-county/steel-bridge/)
          - [Bradford County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/bradford-county/)
          - [Columbia County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/columbia-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Falling Creek Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/columbia-county/falling-creek-farms/)
          - [Duval County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/duval-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Brandy Branch](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/duval-county/brandy-branch/)
          - [Madison County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/madison-county/)
          - [Nassau County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Andrews Grove](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/andrews-grove/)
                  - [Bay Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/bay-farms/)
                  - [Brandy Branch](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/duval-county/brandy-branch/)
                  - [Stave Branch](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/stave-branch/)
          - [View all in Florida](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/)
    - Georgia
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Georgia Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/)
          - [Bulloch County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/bulloch-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Lanes Creek Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/bulloch-county/lanes-creek-farms/)
          - [Charlton County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/charlton-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Riverhaven](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/charlton-county/riverhaven/)
                  - [The Refuge](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/charlton-county/the-refuge/)
          - [Laurens County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/laurens-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Bluewater](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/laurens-county/bluewater/)
          - [View all in Georgia](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/)
    - Louisiana
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Louisiana Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/)
          - [Allen Parish](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/)
            
            
            
                  - [Evergreen Trace](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/evergreen-trace/)
                  - [Hidden Forest](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/hidden-forest/)
                  - [Mallard Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/mallard-farms/)
          - [Calcasieu Parish](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/calcasieu-parish/)
          - [Jefferson Davis Parish](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/jefferson-davis-parish/)
            
            
            
                  - [Gander Way](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/jefferson-davis-parish/gander-way/)
          - [View all in Louisiana](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/)
    - Texas
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Texas Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/)
          - [Angelina County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/angelina-county/)
          - [Liberty County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/liberty-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Gaylor Creek](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/liberty-county/gaylor-creek/)
          - [Polk County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Plum Creek Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/plum-creek-farms/)
                  - [Stryker Mill](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/stryker-mill/)
                  - [Sugar Hill](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/sugar-hill/)
          - [Walker County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/walker-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Willow Creek](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/walker-county/willow-creek/)
          - [View all in Texas](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/)
    - [![Menu CTA Checklist](https://www.raydientrural.com/media/22vjatsz/menu_cta_checklist.jpg?width=345&format=webp&quality=80&v=1db3feb614d9360)](https://info.raydientplaces.com/questions-to-ask-when-buying-rural-land)
- Rethink:Rural Blog Resources
  
  
  
  Close
  
  
  
    - [Rethink:Rural Blog](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/)
    - [Most Recent](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog)
    - Why Go Rural
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Why Go Rural](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/why-go-rural)
          - [Health & Wellness](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/health)
          - [Family Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/family)
          - [Country Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/country-life)
          - [Freedom](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/freedom)
    - Rural Lifestyle
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Rural Lifestyle](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/rural-lifestyle)
          - [Birding](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/birding)
          - [Farming](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/farming)
          - [Gardening](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/gardening)
          - [Hunting & Fishing](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/hunting-and-fishing)
          - [Recipes](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/food)
          - [Recreation](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/recreation)
          - [Sustainability](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/sustainability)
    - Rural Lands
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Rural Lands](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/rural-lands)
          - [Alabama](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/alabama)
          - [Florida](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/florida)
          - [Georgia](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/georgia)
          - [Louisiana](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/louisiana)
          - [Mississippi](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/mississippi)
          - [Texas](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/texas)
    - Buying Land
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Buying Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/buying-land)
          - [Buying 101](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/buying-101)
          - [Finance](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/finance)
          - [Insurance](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/insurance)
          - [Finding Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/finding-land)
    - Owning Land
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Owning Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/owning-land)
          - [Improving Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/improving-land)
          - [Managing land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/managing-land)
          - [Making a homesite](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/making-a-homesite)
          - [Rural People](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/rural-people)
          - [Starting a farm](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/starting-a-farm)
    - [The Rural Rules](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/the-rural-rules)
    - [E-Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/e-guides)
    - [County Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/county-guides)
    - [Buyer Video Testimonials](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/buyer-video-testimonials)
    - [Landowner Video Stories](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/landowner-video-stories)
    - [About Us](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/about)
    - [Subscribe](https://info.raydientrural.com/subscribe-to-the-rethink-rural-blog)
- [About](https://www.raydientrural.com/about/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.raydientrural.com/contact-us/)

Menu

- Search Our Communities
  
  
  
    - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg)back
    - [Land For Sale](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/)
    - Alabama
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Alabama Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/)
          - [Baldwin County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/baldwin-county/)
          - [Butler County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/butler-county/)
          - [Coffee County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/coffee-county/)
          - [Covington County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/covington-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Old Salt Road](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/covington-county/old-salt-road/)
          - [Crenshaw County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/crenshaw-county/)
          - [View all in Alabama](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/alabama/)
    - Florida
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Florida Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/)
          - [Baker County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/baker-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Steel Bridge](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/baker-county/steel-bridge/)
          - [Bradford County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/bradford-county/)
          - [Columbia County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/columbia-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Falling Creek Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/columbia-county/falling-creek-farms/)
          - [Duval County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/duval-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Brandy Branch](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/duval-county/brandy-branch/)
          - [Madison County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/madison-county/)
          - [Nassau County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Andrews Grove](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/andrews-grove/)
                  - [Bay Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/bay-farms/)
                  - [Brandy Branch](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/duval-county/brandy-branch/)
                  - [Stave Branch](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/nassau-county/stave-branch/)
          - [View all in Florida](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/florida/)
    - Georgia
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Georgia Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/)
          - [Bulloch County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/bulloch-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Lanes Creek Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/bulloch-county/lanes-creek-farms/)
          - [Charlton County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/charlton-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Riverhaven](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/charlton-county/riverhaven/)
                  - [The Refuge](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/charlton-county/the-refuge/)
          - [Laurens County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/laurens-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Bluewater](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/laurens-county/bluewater/)
          - [View all in Georgia](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/georgia/)
    - Louisiana
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Louisiana Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/)
          - [Allen Parish](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/)
            
            
            
                  - [Evergreen Trace](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/evergreen-trace/)
                  - [Hidden Forest](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/hidden-forest/)
                  - [Mallard Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/allen-parish/mallard-farms/)
          - [Calcasieu Parish](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/calcasieu-parish/)
          - [Jefferson Davis Parish](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/jefferson-davis-parish/)
            
            
            
                  - [Gander Way](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/jefferson-davis-parish/gander-way/)
          - [View all in Louisiana](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/louisiana/)
    - Texas
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Texas Land](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/)
          - [Angelina County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/angelina-county/)
          - [Liberty County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/liberty-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Gaylor Creek](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/liberty-county/gaylor-creek/)
          - [Polk County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Plum Creek Farms](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/plum-creek-farms/)
                  - [Stryker Mill](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/stryker-mill/)
                  - [Sugar Hill](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/polk-county/sugar-hill/)
          - [Walker County](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/walker-county/)
            
            
            
                  - [Willow Creek](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/walker-county/willow-creek/)
          - [View all in Texas](https://www.raydientrural.com/search-our-communities/texas/)
    - [![Menu CTA Checklist](https://www.raydientrural.com/media/22vjatsz/menu_cta_checklist.jpg?width=345&format=webp&quality=80&v=1db3feb614d9360)](https://info.raydientplaces.com/questions-to-ask-when-buying-rural-land)
- Rethink:Rural Blog Resources
  
  
  
    - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg)back
    - [Rethink:Rural Blog](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/)
    - [Most Recent](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog)
    - Why Go Rural
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Why Go Rural](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/why-go-rural)
          - [Health & Wellness](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/health)
          - [Family Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/family)
          - [Country Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/country-life)
          - [Freedom](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/freedom)
    - Rural Lifestyle
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Rural Lifestyle](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/rural-lifestyle)
          - [Birding](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/birding)
          - [Farming](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/farming)
          - [Gardening](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/gardening)
          - [Hunting & Fishing](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/hunting-and-fishing)
          - [Recipes](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/food)
          - [Recreation](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/recreation)
          - [Sustainability](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/sustainability)
    - Rural Lands
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Rural Lands](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/rural-lands)
          - [Alabama](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/alabama)
          - [Florida](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/florida)
          - [Georgia](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/georgia)
          - [Louisiana](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/louisiana)
          - [Mississippi](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/mississippi)
          - [Texas](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/texas)
    - Buying Land
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Buying Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/buying-land)
          - [Buying 101](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/buying-101)
          - [Finance](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/finance)
          - [Insurance](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/insurance)
          - [Finding Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/finding-land)
    - Owning Land
      
      
      
          - ![Back](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/Sub_Nav_Arrow.jpg) back
          - [Owning Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/owning-land)
          - [Improving Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/improving-land)
          - [Managing land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/managing-land)
          - [Making a homesite](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/making-a-homesite)
          - [Rural People](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/rural-people)
          - [Starting a farm](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/starting-a-farm)
    - [The Rural Rules](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/the-rural-rules)
    - [E-Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/e-guides)
    - [County Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/county-guides)
    - [Buyer Video Testimonials](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/buyer-video-testimonials)
    - [Landowner Video Stories](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/landowner-video-stories)
    - [About Us](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/about)
    - [Subscribe](https://info.raydientrural.com/subscribe-to-the-rethink-rural-blog)
- [About](https://www.raydientrural.com/about/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.raydientrural.com/contact-us/)

![Desktop Hero Image](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/ReRu_Home_Hero.jpg?width=1800&height=340&name=ReRu_Home_Hero.jpg "Desktop Hero Image")

![Rethink Rural Logo](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/ReRu_Logo.png?width=840&height=192&name=ReRu_Logo.png)

- [Rethink:Rural](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/) |
- [Blog](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog) |
- [A Landowner's Guide to Conservation Easements](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/a-landowners-guide-to-conservation-easements)

- [![Facebook Link](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Icon_Facebook.png?width=10&height=21&name=Icon_Facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rethinkrural/421805577985766)
- [![X/Twitter Link](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Icon_X.png?width=20&height=20&name=Icon_X.png)](https://twitter.com/rethink_rural)
- [![Instagram Link](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Icon_Instagram.png?width=20&height=20&name=Icon_Instagram.png)](https://www.instagram.com/rethinkruralblog/)
- [![Pinterest Link](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Icon_Pinterest.png?width=16&height=21&name=Icon_Pinterest.png)](https://www.pinterest.com/rethinkrura0483/)
- [![RSS Feed Link](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Icon_RSS.png?width=20&height=20&name=Icon_RSS.png)](https://rethinkrural.raydientplaces.com/blog/rss.xml)
- [![Subscribe Link](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Icon_Email.png?width=23&height=20&name=Icon_Email.png)](https://info.raydientplaces.com/subscribe-to-the-rethink-rural-blog)

 January 2023

# A Landowner's Guide to Conservation Easements

![A Landowner's Guide to Conservation Easements](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GettyImages-949127862.jpg?length=1151&name=GettyImages-949127862.jpg)

Recently, American public lands have garnered attention across the media. For someone that lives in an urban setting, the idea that public lands exist gives them hope for nature and wildlife in our country.

What has not received as much attention is the colossal participation of private landowners into conserving and protecting landscapes and ecosystems across the country.

A UC-Berkeley Researcher, Luke Macaulay, recently published a paper shining a bright light on the importance of private lands in the US.

**Macaulay found that 440 million acres of private land in the country is used for wildlife-associated recreation.**

For those that have lived in the suburban/rural interface, you have seen family farms transformed into neighborhoods.

## Thankfully, there is a way to encourage land conservation for private landholders that benefits both the wildlife and land owners.

![land conservation easements](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GettyImages-1053405882-1.jpg?width=1000&name=GettyImages-1053405882-1.jpg)

Doug Saunders is the CEO of [Heritage Preservation Trust](https://www.hp-trust.net/), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, that focuses on conservation. The main vehicle they use for their purpose is Conservation Easements. To date, Heritage Preservation Trust has helped protect over 20,000 acres across the Southeast.

“Conservation Easements place a permanent protection on a property’s conservation value”, says Saunders. This means that your piece of property will always be a site of conservation, not a neighborhood or factory.

Why would a landowner want to do go through with an easement and lose possible future profit? Saunders explained, “The Federal government has incentivized Conservation Easements. The landowner receives a tax deduction based on their land’s conservation value.”

**Up to 50% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) can be deducted with credits from a conservation easement.**

# Some land has more conservation value than others

![guide to land conservation easements](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GettyImages-497035865.jpg?width=1000&name=GettyImages-497035865.jpg)

An undeveloped 10-acre property in the Atlanta city limits will have a higher conservation value than a 10-acre piece in a rural county with many acres of undeveloped land.

Also, having a rare plant or animal species will also increase the land’s conservation value.

The Federal Government has decided that this is an inexpensive way to preserve habitat, promote conservation, and help North American wildlife populations.

# Just because land is in an easement does not mean it can’t be managed

![private land conservation](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GettyImages-1054866896.jpg?width=1000&name=GettyImages-1054866896.jpg)

Wildlife managers agree that nature needs disturbances. Whether those disturbances are wildfire, prescribed fire, farming practices, or timber management, they all create great habitat conditions for many species of wildlife.

Saunders says, “Working lands can remain working lands”. The limitations on the easements can still allow land use to continue. Putting a conservation easement on a property has the ability to preserve a landscape for perpetuity in a time of urban sprawl.

As we covered in: [How Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Will Help You Turn Your Land Into a Wildlife Paradise](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/how-floridas-fish-and-wildlife-conservation-commission-will-help-you-turn-your-land-into-a-wildlife-paradise), many states have free programs that will help landowners design and improve their landscapes to attract, nurture and preserve wildlife and native plants.

For landowners and prospective landowners, Conservation Easements should be considered for your land. If your property meets one of four criteria in IRS code 170 H, it can be a possible conservation easement. Private Landowners are an integral part of conservation in America. Conservation cannot happen only on public lands, but with private partnership, wild lands and wild places can continue to exist for generations to come.

[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1710963/848d7c9e-38a7-4032-b640-51f70f8a50a0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1710963/848d7c9e-38a7-4032-b640-51f70f8a50a0)

![Philip Hunt](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Philip%20Hunt%20Headshot.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=Philip%20Hunt%20Headshot.jpg)

Philip Hunt

Philip Hunt is an award-winning freelance writer and photographer from the upstate of South Carolina. He has a column in the Tryon Daily Bulletin entitled “Tales of the Hunts”, and his work has appeared in other print and digital publications. With his wife, Corey Hunt, they run a website and blog with an emphasis on encouraging families to experience the outdoors. Check out their website at www.twodogoutdoors.com and follow along with their adventures on Instagram @twodogoutdoors.

 Read [all of Philip Hunt's posts](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/author/philip-hunt)

Categories

- ![Nav_Icon_Most_Recent](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Nav_Icon_Most_Recent.png?width=38&height=36&name=Nav_Icon_Most_Recent.png) [Most Recent](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog)
- ![Nav_Icon_Why_Go_Rural](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Why_Go_Rural.png?width=30&height=30&name=Nav_Icon_Why_Go_Rural.png) [Why Go Rural](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/why-go-rural)
  
  ![Arrow Icon](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Nav_Arrows.png?width=12&height=12&name=Nav_Arrows.png) 
  
  
  
    - [Health & Wellness](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/health)
    - [Family Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/family)
    - [Country Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/country-life)
    - [Freedom](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/freedom)
- ![Nav_Icon_Rural_Lifestyle](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Rural_Lifestyle.png?width=26&height=32&name=Nav_Icon_Rural_Lifestyle.png) [Rural Lifestyle](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/rural-lifestyle)
  
  ![Arrow Icon](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Nav_Arrows.png?width=12&height=12&name=Nav_Arrows.png) 
  
  
  
    - [Birding](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/birding)
    - [Farming](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/farming)
    - [Gardening](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/gardening)
    - [Hunting & Fishing](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/hunting-and-fishing)
    - [Recipes](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/food)
    - [Recreation](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/recreation)
    - [Sustainability](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/sustainability)
- ![Nav_Icon_Rural_Lands](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Rural_Lands.png?width=31&height=31&name=Nav_Icon_Rural_Lands.png) [Rural Lands](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/rural-lands)
  
  ![Arrow Icon](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Nav_Arrows.png?width=12&height=12&name=Nav_Arrows.png) 
  
  
  
    - [Alabama](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/alabama)
    - [Florida](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/florida)
    - [Georgia](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/georgia)
    - [Louisiana](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/louisiana)
    - [Mississippi](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/mississippi)
    - [Texas](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/texas)
- ![Nav_Icon_Buying_Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Buying_Land.png?width=33&height=38&name=Nav_Icon_Buying_Land.png) [Buying Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/buying-land)
  
  ![Arrow Icon](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Nav_Arrows.png?width=12&height=12&name=Nav_Arrows.png) 
  
  
  
    - [Buying 101](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/buying-101)
    - [Finance](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/finance)
    - [Insurance](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/insurance)
    - [Finding Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/finding-land)
- ![Nav_Icon_Owning_Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Owning_Land.png?width=34&height=34&name=Nav_Icon_Owning_Land.png) [Owning Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/owning-land)
  
  ![Arrow Icon](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Nav_Arrows.png?width=12&height=12&name=Nav_Arrows.png) 
  
  
  
    - [Improving Land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/improving-land)
    - [Managing land](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/managing-land)
    - [Making a homesite](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/making-a-homesite)
    - [Rural People](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/rural-people)
    - [Starting a farm](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/topic/starting-a-farm)
- ![Nav_Icon_Videos](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Videos.png?width=35&height=27&name=Nav_Icon_Videos.png) [The Rural Rules](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/the-rural-rules)
- ![Nav_Icon_EGuides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_EGuides.png?width=35&height=31&name=Nav_Icon_EGuides.png) [E-Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/e-guides)
- ![Nav_Icon_County_Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_County_Guides.png?width=35&height=37&name=Nav_Icon_County_Guides.png) [County Guides](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/county-guides)
- ![Nav_Icon_Videos](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Videos.png?width=35&height=27&name=Nav_Icon_Videos.png) [Buyer Video Testimonials](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/buyer-video-testimonials)
- ![Nav_Icon_Videos](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20RethinkRural%20Redesign/Nav_Icon_Videos.png?width=35&height=27&name=Nav_Icon_Videos.png) [Landowner Video Stories](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/landowner-video-stories)
- [About Us](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/about)
- [Subscribe](https://info.raydientrural.com/subscribe-to-the-rethink-rural-blog)

Subscribe Today!

Sign up for articles and tips on rural living

[Subscribe](https://info.raydientplaces.com/subscribe-to-the-rethink-rural-blog)

 \* By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from Raydient and accept our [Privacy Policy](https://www.raydientrural.com/privacy-statement/). You can unsubscribe at any time. 

![Grass Illustration](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Rethink-Rural-2024-Website-Templates/images/Grass_Signup_Box.png?width=172&height=73&name=Grass_Signup_Box.png)

Recommended For You

[![How to Transform Raw Land into a Homestead](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TransformRawLandIntoHomestead_Lead.jpg?length=420&name=TransformRawLandIntoHomestead_Lead.jpg)](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/how-to-transform-raw-land-into-a-homestead)

[How to Transform Raw Land into a Homestead](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/how-to-transform-raw-land-into-a-homestead)

[Read more](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/how-to-transform-raw-land-into-a-homestead)

[![Why Calcasieu Parish is Calling You Home to a Simpler, Rural Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Calcasieu%20Parish_Lead.jpg?length=420&name=Calcasieu%20Parish_Lead.jpg)](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/land-for-sale-calcasieu-parish-louisiana)

[Why Calcasieu Parish is Calling You Home to a Simpler, Rural Life](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/land-for-sale-calcasieu-parish-louisiana)

[Read more](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/land-for-sale-calcasieu-parish-louisiana)

[![7 Ways Landowners Can Protect Nature & Preserve Biodiversity](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GettyImages-1487102797.jpg?length=420&name=GettyImages-1487102797.jpg)](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/how-landowners-can-preserve-biodiversity)

[7 Ways Landowners Can Protect Nature & Preserve Biodiversity](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/how-landowners-can-preserve-biodiversity)

[Read more](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/how-landowners-can-preserve-biodiversity)

[![10 Reasons Why Callahan, Florida is a Great Rural Place to Call Home](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GettyImages-2155655426.jpg?length=420&name=GettyImages-2155655426.jpg)](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/10-reasons-why-callahan-florida-is-a-great-rural-place-to-call-home)

[10 Reasons Why Callahan, Florida is a Great Rural Place to Call Home](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/10-reasons-why-callahan-florida-is-a-great-rural-place-to-call-home)

[Read more](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/blog/10-reasons-why-callahan-florida-is-a-great-rural-place-to-call-home)

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked\*

[![Raydient Rural logo](https://www.raydientrural.com//images/RR_Footer_Logo.png)](https://rethinkrural.raydientrural.com/)

Raydient Places + Properties is on a mission to connect potential land buyers with our properties that best suit their needs for homesteads, recreation and investments. \*Raydient is a taxable subsidiary of [Rayonier Inc.](http://www.rayonier.com/), a timber real estate investment trust.

Keep up with new lots through our newsletter

Contact Us

[1-844-877-LAND](tel:1-844-877-LAND) [info@raydientrural.com](mailTo:info@raydientrural.com) 1 Rayonier Way   
Wildlight, FL 32097

- © 2025 Raydient LLC. All rights reserved.
- [Privacy Statement](https://www.raydientrural.com/privacy-statement/)
- |
- [Terms of Use](https://www.raydientrural.com/terms-of-use/)
- |
- [Accessibility](https://www.raydientrural.com/accessibility/)

- [![Icon Facebook](https://www.raydientrural.com/media/bxhgogti/icon_facebook.png?format=webp&quality=80&v=1db3a61abc7d340)](https://www.facebook.com/RaydientPlaces)
- [![Icon X](https://www.raydientrural.com/media/yksatwuc/icon_x.png?format=webp&quality=80&v=1db3a61aec55bd0)](https://twitter.com/RaydientRural)
- [![Icon Instagram](https://www.raydientrural.com/media/x25fxrve/icon_instagram.png?format=webp&quality=80&v=1db3a61abaa6030)](https://www.instagram.com/rethinkruralblog/)
- [![Icon Youtube](https://www.raydientrural.com/media/o5jj10pz/icon_youtube.png?format=webp&quality=80&v=1db3a61aed00a30)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAlCW048HTdGwrrTo26NcjA)