conservation easement

property law

Also known as: conservation servitude

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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A conservation easement is a legal agreement in property law that limits the development of a piece of land. While the term "easement" typically grants the right to use another's land for a specific purpose, conservation easements primarily focus on restricting what the landowner can do with their property to preserve its natural state.12

These agreements are often held by conservation organizations or government bodies. They combine aspects of both easements and covenants, potentially granting the easement holder access for monitoring or educational activities, while also imposing obligations on the landowner to maintain the conservation goals.2

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servitude
…the creation of so-called “conservation easements” to be held by conservation organizations and governmental bodies. The name is misleading, however, because the primary function of these agreements is to limit the development of the servient estate rather than to authorize the easement beneficiary to enter and use the land.…
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…the creation of so-called “conservation easements” to be held by conservation organizations and governmental bodies. The name is misleading, however, because the primary function of these agreements is to limit the development of the servient estate rather than to authorize the easement beneficiary to enter and use the land.…
Read More