If you’re interested in applying for a conservation easement, simply fill out the Preliminary Easement Application.  To be considered, you must meet the following criteria established by the Conservation Easement Authority to objectively evaluate properties. Specifically, the property must be located in the Agricultural-Open Space-Conservation (AOC) or Forestal-Open Space-Conservation (FOC) zoning district, and preference is given to properties in or qualifying for use value taxation.

The criteria further extends eligibility depending on the Property Resource Score, which assigns points to parcels based on conservation values associated with the property, retiring at least one dwelling unit right, or DUR, being larger than 40 acres, and being adjacent to an existing conservation easement. The Authority amended these criteria in 2011 to increase the minimum Property Resource Score from 35 to 50 points for consideration of easement purchases not qualifying for land use.

The Authority evaluates parcels proposed for conservation easement based on the following criteria:

To be eligible for easement donation or purchase, the parcel must be located in the Agricultural-Open Space-Conservation (AOC) or Forestal-Open Space-Conservation (FOC) zoning district.

For an Easement Donation

If the parcel is currently in or eligible for use value taxation, in accord with the Commissioner of Revenue’s requirements, then a donation may be considered if at least two of the following four guidelines are met:

  1. The parcel’s Property Resource Score is at least 35
  2. At least one dwelling unit right is extinguished by the conservation easement
  3. The parcel is adjacent to a parcel already under permanent conservation easement
  4. The property has a minimum area of 40 acres

If the parcel is not eligible for use value taxation, then a donation may be considered if it meets at least three of the four following criteria:

  1. The parcel’s Property Resource Score is at least 35
  2. At least one dwelling unit right is extinguished by the conservation easement
  3. The property is adjacent to another easement
  4. The parcel offers protection of a locally significant natural or historic feature, as determined by the Easement Authority

For an Easement Purchase

If the parcel is currently in or eligible for use value taxation, in accord with the Commissioner of Revenue’s requirements, then a purchase may be considered if at least two of the following four guidelines are met:

  1. The parcel’s Property Resource Score is at least 35
  2. At least one dwelling unit right is extinguished by the conservation easement
  3. The parcel is adjacent to a parcel already under permanent conservation easement
  4. The property has a minimum area of 40 acres

If the parcel is not eligible for use value taxation, then a purchase may be considered if it meets at least three of the following four criteria:

  1. The parcel’s Property Resource Score is at least 50
  2. At least one dwelling unit right is extinguished by the conservation easement
  3. The parcel is adjacent to another easement
  4. The parcel offers protection of a locally significant natural or historic feature, as determined by the Easement Authority