Conservation Easements
CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
A conservation easement provides financial compensation (60% of county assessed land value) to landowners in exchange for voluntarily enrolling their property to permanently protect it from future development. Landowners still retain private ownership and can still utilize their property for recreational use and sustainable forest management.
Conservation easements protect the state’s water and soil resources by protecting and restoring native ecosystems, water quality, and wildlife habitat complexes. A conservation easement is a legal agreement with a landowner and the state of Minnesota.
PERSONAL INCENTIVES & PAYMENT
Personal Incentives
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Legacy protection of land and water
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Landowner retains full ownership
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No obligation if you fill out an application
Payment
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Payment is approximately 60% of the Current county EMV (Estimated Market Value)
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One-time taxable payment
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The land remains on local tax rolls
PREFERRED EASEMENT CRITERIA
Criteria
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300+ft of shoreline
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20+ acres
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Adjoining public land
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Adjoining conservation easements
Process
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12-16 months to complete
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title or lender details may extend the timeline
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Applications are ranked according to habitat values, shoreline length, public land adjacency & other professional criteria.
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All interested landowners should apply by calling 218-828-6197 or email jenny@cwswcd.org
POSSIBLE COST TO LANDOWNER
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Updating property abstract.
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The fees for an abstract update depend on the area you are in and the complexity of the search.