Protect Your Land

Conservation Easement

Landowners can protect their land through conservation easements.

What is a Conservation Easement?

A conservation easement is a voluntary, legally binding agreement between a landowner and a land trust or public agency that permanently restricts development of land in order to protect natural and/or historic resources important to the public.

Advantages of a Conservation Easement

• The landowner retains ownership and may continue to live on the property, sell it or, or pass it on to heirs.
• Each easement is flexible and customized to reflect the landowner’s goals and the unique characteristics of the property.
• State and federal income tax benefits are available to the landowner, and the easement can reduce the taxable value of the land in an estate.
• The easement is permanent, remaining in effect even when the land changes hands; a land trust or public agency ensures its terms are followed.

How to Pursue a Conservation Easement

If you’re interested in protecting your land through a conservation easement, there are a few steps to follow:

1. To begin the process, property owners must submit a Statement of Interest to notify the Commission of their desire to participate in the Easement Program.
2. After receiving the form, Commission staff may schedule a site visit to assess the land’s conservation value.
3. If both the landowner and the Commission decide to move forward, a professional appraisal is conducted to determine the easement’s value, and a draft conservation easement agreement is prepared.
4. Once both parties are satisfied with the terms, the request is submitted to County Council for approval.

All discussions are kept confidential, and landowners may opt out of the process at any time without penalty.

Learn More

Contact John McKenzie at mckenzie.john@richlandcountysc.gov or 803-576-2083 to learn more.