A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement negotiated between a landowner and a public agency or charitable conservation organization in which the landowner agrees to place specific restrictions on the use and development of his or her property in exchange for payment and various income and estate tax benefits. It represents an opportunity for landowners to voluntarily donate or sell a conservation easement to a public authority to be held in trust in perpetuity. In turn, the landowner will receive monetary compensation either through direct payment from the Authority or by selling the tax credits generated by the easement donation.

By promoting a land ethic and responsible stewardship of the property, an easement provides a lasting benefit to the public through the protection of open space, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats, and air and water quality.