One of the things our field staff undertakes each winter is monitoring conservation easements. Natural Lands Trust has a perpetual responsibility to monitor and uphold the terms of the easements that are used to protect open lands that have been conserved with this method.
To back up a bit, an easement is a legally-binding agreement between a landowner and a qualified conservation organization such as a land trust. Easements protect lands by limiting a property's use and bind all present and future owners of the land, and may provide an opportunity for tax benefits for the landowner. Each easement is customized to meet the needs of the landowner and best protect the unique features of the land. (As I noted on November 9, even lands owned by a conservation organization may be held under easement with another land trust, for an additional layer of protection.)
Each year we contact each of the landowners who have easements with us on their land, and we arrange a site visit in January or February (this is a slightly less busy time for preserve managers).
I made my first visit today to a new easement, and was thrilled to see the land that is being protected, located at the headwaters of Marsh Creek. I was also thrilled that the property corners (about 40 of 'em) were well marked (see above). And getting paid to walk in the woods is pretty great, too.
I'd like to personally thank all of the landowners who have conserved their land with us. Your generosity and love for the land is visible and enduring.
