Shrewsbury Township Conservation Fund

What is a Conservation Easement? 

In simple terms, a  conservation easement is a legal agreement between the owner of a property and a government agency or nonprofit organization. The landowner agrees to restrict future uses of all or part of his or her parcel of land.  The primary sources in York County are the York County Agricultural Preservation Board, a government agency, and the Farm and Natural Lands Trust, a nonprofit. The landowner and any subsequent owners must comply with the provisions of the easement.  Typical restrictions may include limitations on any additional homes on the property, and restrictions on the disturbance or removal of vegetation or wildlife habitat.  Each easement can be as different as each situation is unique.  In granting the easement, the landowner retains some rights, but voluntarily gives up others.  The land stays in private ownership and can therefore be resold--but the conservation easement stays with the land forever.  Since a conservation easement may be either donated or purchased, there can be significant financial benefits to the owner and future heirs.  The township's Conservation Fund can assist landowners to meet with experts on the legal and financial aspects of conservation easements.