Sequoia Riverlands Trust (SRT) is committed to strategically
selecting and protecting in perpetuity a web of connected, high
quality conservation lands in the Kings, Kaweah, Tule and Kern
River watersheds. SRT pursues this goal by working with willing
landowners to increase the number of properties and total acreage
under conservation easements and other forms of protection in
our geographic region.
What is a conservation easement?
A
conservation easement is an agreement between a landowner and
qualified organization, like SRT, that establishes future uses
of a property, consistent with the landowner's conservation and
other goals. Conservation easements are voluntary restrictions
on the use of privately owned land, designed to fit the specific
circumstances and concerns of both the landowner and the easement
holder.
How does it work?
SRT works with landowners
to design easement provisions that allow continued residential
or economic use of their land while conserving the property's
important natural features. Most conservation easements limit
subdivision and non-agricultural commercial uses, but allow continued
grazing, fencing, irrigation, hunting or other traditional land
uses that are consistent with conservation of open space, biological
diversity or other natural values. Easements are granted in perpetuity
and recorded with the property's deed, meaning that all future
owners of the land must respect the terms of the easement.
How else does SRT conserve land?
Other land
protection strategies include fee-simple acquisitions of key
lands through donation or purchase, engaging in property exchanges,
mitigation banking transactions and partnering in conservation-oriented
development.
Want to know more?
If you would like more information
on these programs and other conservation options for your own
property please click
here.
