Stewardship
A Landowner’s Guide to Conservation Easement Stewardship
Granting a conservation easement is merely the first step to permanently protecting your property and its ecological riches. Once granted, both the landowner and PLC accept responsibility for different aspects of the land’s perpetual stewardship.
For PLC, Accepting A Conservation Easement Means:
- Securing adequate funding to ensure that PLC has the necessary financial resources to carry out its stewardship responsibilities in perpetuity. PLC raises funds specifically for its Stewardship Endowment Fund held and managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. PLC requests a charitable contribution from the landowner for this purpose.
- Conducting regular site visits to the easement area to ensure that the terms of the easement are being upheld. A typical site visit will entail a short interview with the landowner, a “walkover” of the easement area, and an updating of photo documentation. The landowner is invited to attend any site visit conducted by PLC and upon its evaluation will receive a copy of the completed site visit report.
- Following up on any potential violations to ensure that the easement terms are being enforced. If a potential violation is reported or observed, PLC staff will conduct a site visit and landowner interview to fully assess the situation. If a violation has occurred, PLC staff will take appropriate steps, including legal action if necessary, to ensure that the landowner mitigates for any resulting negative impacts.
- Maintaining and strengthening relationships with the landowner to ensure a clear understanding of the easement terms and their implications to the landowner. PLC’s land protection and stewardship staff are always available to respond to landowners’ questions regarding their easements and requests for approval that may be required within their easements. Additionally, all landowners receive PLC’s quarterly newsletter, LandLines, to keep them informed of PLC’s activities.
Owning A Conservation Easement Property Means:
- Adhering to the easement terms including asking questions if uncertain if a desired activity is permitted;
- Providing PLC, or its representatives, access to the easement area for the purpose of monitoring and enforcing the easement terms;
- Conducting general property maintenance and management activities provided they do not violate the easement terms;
- Paying all property taxes associated with the protected property;
- Informing any individuals leasing or using the easement area of the easement and how its terms impact their intended activity;
- Controlling access to the property against trespassers, including adjacent landowners; and
- Communicating to PLC any changes in land ownership and raising any concerns or questions regarding the easement terms with PLC land protection and stewardship staff.