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Minnesota Land Trust: Conservation Programs historic significance. Page 2 of3 Not all properties are suitable for protection through conservation easements with the Minnesota Land Trust. Whenever possible we will provide landowners with information on other options. Return to the list of questions What restrictions are included in a conservation easement? First, conservation values are defined and then restrictions are created to protect those values. Restrictions may apply to all of a landowner's property or to only a portion of it. Typically, easements address subdivision, commercial or industrial uses, mining, construction of buildings or roads, utilities, disturbance of the vegetation or topography and any activities on the property that might interfere with the conservation purpose for the easement. For example, an easement preserving rare woodland habitat may require that the property be left entirely in its natural state, prohibiting all development. Or, to protect a lake or stream, an easement may allow limited inland construction of buildings or trails while restricting such activities along the more fragile shoreline. Some easements may permit continued farming or limited timbering. Others may provide for enhancement of wildlife habitat or restoration of native prairie. Return to the list of questions What are the effects of a conservation easement on a landowner's property rights? A landowner retains all rights to the property not specifically restricted or relinquished by the easement. The landowner still owns the land and has the right to use it for any purpose that is consistent with the easement, to sell, to transfer or to leave it through a will. Typically, landowners also retain the right to restrict public access. Return to the list of questions What obligations come with a conservation easement? Landowner: The landowner remains responsible for the land-for its maintenance and upkeep, for paying taxes and for otherwise meeting the typical obligations of land ownership. Conservation easements add only a few further requirements: · To notify the Minnesota Land Trust of proposed changes to the property . To allow annual monitoring visits · To notify the Minnesota Land Trust when selling or transferring the property . To comply with the restrictions in the easement Minnesota Land Trust: The Minnesota Land Trust is obligated to oversee and enforce the terms of the easement. A representative will periodically schedule visits to the property to make sure the land continues to be used according to the easement. If necessary, the Minnesota Land Trust will legally defend the easement in the event of a violation. The Land Trust does not otherwise have the right to use the property without the landowner's permission. Return to the list of questions http://www .mnland. org/prog -ce.html 10/15/2008