If a conservation easement is placed on a ranch, are the cattle and irrigation systems removed from the land?
No. In fact, the opposite is true. A typical conservation easement not only allows – it encourages – the property be used for agricultural production, grazing and timber harvesting. In most conservation easements, landowners do not have to modify their management activities. Back to the top Q: Is there a reduction in local property taxes for conservation easements? A: No. Local property taxes continue to be paid by the landowner. Back to the top Q: Why is the easement in perpetuity? A: Three main reasons. One, current landowners who grant or otherwise convey a conservation easement want assurances their property will be protected not just through their lifetime, but forever. Two, federal law requires the conservation easement be held in perpetuity to qualify for federal income tax and estate tax benefits. Three, there is a concern that if conservation easements granted tax deductions and were allowed for terms – say, 20 years or 100 years – landowners could be tempted to receive the fe
Related Questions
- Can the conservation easement be placed on just a portion of a tract of land or must it be placed on the entire property?
- If a conservation easement is placed on a ranch, are the cattle and irrigation systems removed from the land?
- How is the value of the agricultural land conservation easement determined, and by whom?
