Landowners typically donate easements, but sometimes conservation easements are sold. Aspetuck Land Trust would purchase the Conservation Restriction. With a Conservation Restriction donation the owner formally extinguishes the development rights. The value of the development rights are donated to the Aspetuck Land Trust who monitors the property to ensure that it is not developed. The owner retains title to the land and maintains it. Public access is not required although can be provided for. ALT needs to inspect the property periodically to make sure there are no violations of the terms of the restriction.
Tax Advantages – For some landowners, selling an easement at less than its appraised value provides certain tax advantages, since the value of the easement can be taken as a charitable deduction from federal income taxes.