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What is a Conservation Easement?
Conservation easements are one
of the tools used by the Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust
(WSGALT) to work with individuals and communities to maintain working
ranches and agricultural landscapes. Conservation easements are
voluntary agreements that limit the amount and type of development that
can occur on a property in order to preserve its productive capacity and
open character. Landowners continue to retain title to the property
and all other rights of property ownership.
Although all conservation
easements preclude development that would destroy the lands value for
ranching, the terms of each agreement are individually tailored to meet
the concerns of the landowner and the unique features of the
property. Conservation easements can be donated or sold and can be
granted during the owners lifetime or through a bequest. The
easement may be placed on an entire property or a portion of the
property. Conservation easements typically are assigned in
perpetuity. This means the agreement runs with the title,
regardless of ownership, ensuring the land will be maintained as
ranchland and open space for future generations.
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