Conservation Easements

Conservation Easements – we write and record conservation Easements

Conservation Easements are an effective means of maintaining the size of large ranch and farm lands, preventing subdivision.  Subdivision of ranches generally lowers the quality of life for its occupants and wildlife.  Conservation Easements also provide significant tax benefits to the land owner.

The purpose of the Conservation Easement is to prevent, for perpetuity, unsuitable or irrevocable development inconsistent with the long term conservation stewardship of the land.  A Conservation Easement is defined as an agreement binding the landowner to ensure the long term conservation stewardship of the land in a large parcel without urbanization type development.   Under the terms of a Conservation Easement, the landowner retains ownership of the land and is free to manage or sell the property and enhance agricultural productivity and wildlife habitat or use the and for recreation as they see fit.   The conservation easement is transferred to the next owner upon sales of the property as well.

The primary function of the Conservation Easement is to prevent subdivision and urbanization of the land.  However, each easement is generally customized to the unique character of the individual ranch and its natural resources, and incorporates how the owner initiating the CE desires to see the land managed/maintained in the long term. 

Conservation Easements are custom tailored to the needs and desires of different landowners.  Generally it is a means by which a farm or ranch is passed on to posterity.  In addition, it preserves the exceptional natural resources of a ranch, such as a trout stream, sage grouse habitat, or a elk winter range. Each CE is unique, but the underlying reason is the landowner’s desire to preserve a special piece of land forever.

The donor of a Conservation Easement may be entitled to a reduction in income and/or estate taxes if it is determined that the easement meets Federal requirements as a charitable gift and if it is donated to a qualified organization. The size of the tax benefit is a function of the land value and the restrictions of the easement.  This offsetting of values is determined by an independent real estate appraiser. 

Mining, Minerals Extraction, and Management – Planning and Permitting

• Onsite exploration and assessment of resources such as: Sand and Gravel

• Landscape and Construction Stone Products
• Gems
• Precious Metals
• Fossil Fuels (oil and gas)
• Uranium
• Mineral Lease Management

• Economic feasibility of mining, extraction and marketing of mineral resources

• Environmental impact assessment, mitigation, and permitting

• Design of low impact extraction process

• Marketing of mineral resources