Conservation Easements
-working to protect your land -

"Your land - with its forests, fields, streams and ponds - is your small piece of paradise. You have worked hard to protect your land, but what about the future?

Conservation easements are the fastest growing mechanism used by donors to protect land in Canada and the United States. This page briefly explains how easements work."

What is a Conservation Easement?

Easements protect land in accordance with the landowner's wishes and with HPELT's goals to save fish and wildlife habitat, water resources, woodlands, special geographic features, native plants, and scenic landscapes. Easements can also be used to protect farmland and cultural heritage features. HPELT prepares the easement in consultation with the landowner.

A conservation easement is a legal document that is registered on your land title (e.g. deed) to provide permanent protection of privately owned lands. The easement is held by Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust to conserve land forever.

How does an easement work?

An easement is a legal agreement that records the mutually agreed land use limitations and ensure that these limitations can be legally defended. The restricted activities are negotiated between you and the Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust. You help to decide whether to restrict snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, urban development, road construction, use of pesticides, etc. Conservation easements offer a number of unique innovative strategies for landowners.

Conservation easements provide a great opportunity for landowners to participate in creatively conserving their lands. Since the easement is registered on title, the restrictions are granted to the Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust in perpetuity. HPELT can legally enforce the restrictions in the easement against subsequent landowners that fail to manage the land responsibly.

When you and your neighbors place an easement on your lands, you can be a part of creating a nature reserve in your backyard!

NEXT THING TO DO.... Interested landowners should contact Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust so we can meet with you to discuss your conservation vision!

For more information, see our FAQ page.

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