Drafts recordable conservation easement documents that permanently restrict land use to protect conservation values while preserving landowner rights. Ensures IRC §170(h) qualified conservation contribution compliance and state enabling statute conformity. Use when drafting conservation easements, land preservation agreements, perpetual restrictions, or qualified conservation contributions for tax deduction purposes.
Drafts recordable conservation easement documents that permanently restrict land use to protect conservation values while preserving landowner rights. Ensures IRC §170(h) qualified conservation contribution compliance and state enabling statute conformity. Use when drafting conservation easements, land preservation agreements, perpetual restrictions, or qualified conservation contributions for tax deduction purposes.
Jurisdiction-appropriate conveyancing language; granted in perpetuity, runs with land, binds successors
Identify conservation purposes under IRC §170(h)(4): habitat, open space, agriculture, scenic, historic
Specify rights conveyed: development, subdivision, restricted use rights
Confirm grantor retains fee simple subject to easement
Require subordination of existing mortgages
If tax-qualifying: state easement is a "qualified conservation contribution" under IRC §170(h)
3. Conservation Purposes & Values
Describe specific values: wildlife habitat, water resources, agricultural soils, viewsheds, ecological connectivity
Align each purpose to IRC §170(h)(4) categories
Reference baseline documentation report (exhibit)
Articulate public benefit: habitat connectivity, watershed protection, agricultural preservation
State this section governs interpretation of all restrictions and reserved rights
4. Prohibited & Restricted Uses
Category
Typical Restrictions
Subdivision & development
Prohibit or limit to defined building envelopes; density caps
Commercial/industrial/mining
Prohibit extraction beyond reserved rights
Natural features
No grading, filling, excavation, vegetation removal outside permitted management
Water resources
No diversion, impoundment, pollution
Waste & hazardous materials
No disposal, storage, or release
Signage & utilities
Limit to property-serving infrastructure
Tailor to specific property — no generic boilerplate. For conditional restrictions, specify approval process (e.g., "grantee approval, not unreasonably withheld if consistent with conservation purposes").
5. Reserved Rights of Grantor
Right
Conditions
Residential
Maintain/replace existing structures within defined footprint, location, height
Agricultural/forestry
Per best management practices and attached management plan
Recreational
Personal/guest use; must not impair conservation values
Access
Maintain existing roads, trails, utilities
Limited development
If any: define by building envelope, size, purpose
For tax-qualifying easements: ensure reserved rights comply with Treasury Reg. inconsistent-use standards. Specify whether grantee approval may be withheld only for conservation harm or at broader discretion.
6. Stewardship, Monitoring & Enforcement
Access: Grantee perpetual right to enter with reasonable notice (48 hours typical; immediate for emergencies)
Monitoring: At least one annual site visit
Reporting: Annual compliance confirmation; advance notice for activities requiring approval
Enforcement sequence: written notice → cure period (30 days; shorter for ongoing harm) → injunctive relief, damages, restoration → enforcement costs and attorney's fees
Non-waiver: Failure to enforce promptly does not waive future enforcement
Stewardship funding: Endowment contribution or annual fee
7. Assignment, Amendment & Extinguishment
Assignment — only to qualified conservation organization with enforcement capacity; notice to grantor
Amendment — must not diminish conservation purposes; comply with Treasury Regs for donated easements; written agreement of both parties; may require state AG approval
Extinguishment — judicial proceeding only; grantee entitled to proportionate share of proceeds per Treasury Reg. §1.170A-14(g)(6) [VERIFY]
Governing law (situs state), venue, severability, notice requirements, successors and assigns, recording obligations, liberal construction favoring conservation purposes, integration clause, counterparts, authority of signatories, state-specific statutory disclosures.
9. Exhibits & Execution
Exhibit
Contents
A
Survey / legal description map with boundaries, building envelopes, restricted areas
B
Baseline documentation report
C
Management plan(s) if applicable
D
Mortgagee subordination agreement if encumbered
Signature blocks with capacity designations; notarial acknowledgments per situs state; witness lines if state-required; verify recording office format requirements.
Guidelines
IRC §170(h) compliance is mandatory when tax deduction intended — evaluate every restriction and reserved right
