What costs are associated with a conservation easement?
The Conservancy must be prepared to monitor and defend all of its easements. The IRS also requires planning for the cost of monitoring and enforcement. If the donor claims a tax deduction for the easement, IRS requirements state that an eligible donee of tax-deductible conservation easements must have the resources to enforce the restrictions of the easements. It is standard procedure to establish a stewardship fund, setting aside funds solely for monitoring and defending easements. The Conservancy requests a stewardship donation with every gift of a conservation easement. Generally, the owner of the property makes this contribution. The stewardship fund acts as security that the landowner s intent will be carried out and has been compared to an insurance policy. The stewardship contribution is the premium. The Conservancy incurs annual costs to monitor the easement, including visiting the property, taking photographs, writing reports, informing landowners of any changes, and so on. A
