A conservation easement is a voluntary, legally binding agreement between a landowner and a qualified organization—like Land Trust for Louisiana—that permanently limits certain types of development in order to protect the land’s conservation values.

These conservation values might include wildlife habitat, scenic open space, historic landscapes, or productive farmland. By placing a conservation easement on their property, landowners help ensure that the natural character of their land is protected for generations to come.

Importantly, a conservation easement does not mean giving up ownership of the land. The landowner continues to own and use the property and keeps many of the rights associated with it. For example, landowners can often continue activities like hunting, farming, forestry, and other traditional land uses.

READ MORE: Explore Land Trust for Louisiana’s conservation map

In many cases, placing a conservation easement on land may also provide financial benefits. Because the landowner is voluntarily limiting development rights to protect conservation values, they may be eligible to claim significant federal income tax deductions.

Land Trust for Louisiana works with landowners to create easements that fit their property and conservation goals. Once an easement is established, our organization stewards and enforces it in perpetuity, ensuring that the land remains a part of Louisiana’s story forever.

Become a member and help us steward our land

Protecting Louisiana’s special places takes a community of people who care about the land. By becoming a member of Land Trust for Louisiana, you help support the protection and stewardship of the farms, forests, wetlands, and open spaces that make our state unique. Join us today and be part of conserving Louisiana’s landscapes for generations to come.