What are the public benefits of Conservation Easements?
The public benefits from the permanent protection of scenic landscapes, wildlife habitat, recreational trail access, productive ranch and agricultural acreage, buffers between communities, wetlands and watershed protection, and the preservation of unique natural lands. The economic viability of our communities is also dependent in large part on the preservation of the natural beauty and wide open spaces for the enjoyment of the public and protection of wildlife. Not all land protected by a Conservation Easement is available for public access. Even where conserved land is closed to public use, the public still benefits from the protection of scenic views, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and ranching and agricultural lands. Continental Divide Land Trust currently holds conservation easements on various properties in Summit and Park Counties that total over 2,600 acres.
