Conservation Easements
Conservation easements are powerful tools that protect the ecological and cultural heritage of Wallowa County. By voluntarily limiting development and preserving natural landscapes, landowners can ensure that the unique character of our region endures for future generations.
These legal agreements allow landowners to conserve their property's ecological, agricultural, or scenic values while maintaining ownership and potential economic benefits. From protecting wildlife habitats to preserving working lands, conservation easements are crucial in maintaining the rural integrity of our community.
Conservation Easements are voluntary legal agreements between landowners and a land trust, created to protect certain natural and traditional values of the property in perpetuity. Typically, development rights are permanently extinguished and the owner continues to own and manage their land in a manner consistent with the Conservation Easement parameters.
The landowner retains full ownership of the property, including all rights as reserved in the Easement. Land protected by a Conservation Easement may be sold, bequeathed, mortgaged or otherwise transferred like any other property. The Easement is permanently recorded with the deed and remains with the land regardless of future ownership.
Conserving land can result in income tax benefits, as the donation of a Conservation Easement may be treated as a charitable gift by the Internal Revenue Service, making the value of the Easement tax-deductible. Potential reduction of estate taxes can limit the strain on future heirs and aid in intergenerational transfers of intact properties.