Washington, DC is developing at a rapid pace with a growing population expected to close in on 1 million people by the year 2045. Our changing urban landscape means accommodating for developments, but often comes at the cost of mature trees and open green space. Sustainable development not only requires creative energy and material use, but also creative design to incorporate existing green infrastructure. For more information, read our FAQ.
Casey Trees’ Land Conservation Program provides permanent protection for lands with ecological, scenic, recreational, and natural resource values. Our program aims to restore fragmented patches of urban forest, enhance urban ecosystems and public health, and protect green space for trees to grow and neighbors to connect with nature. We work with local landowners to steward natural areas and improve the conditions of those sites.
WHAT IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT?
A conservation easement is a voluntary, legal agreement that permanently restricts the use of land from development to protect its important conservation values. Each easement is drafted to reflect the conservation values of the land and the personal interests of the landowner. Conservation easements “run with the land,” which means that current and future owners of these properties may sell, gift, or transfer the land to a new owner at any time but the easement restrictions remain in place. Casey Trees holds conservation easements as a Land Trust and 501c3.
WHY SHOULD I GRANT A CONSERVATION EASEMENT?
Land conservation strengthens communities by enhancing recreational opportunities, mitigating negative impacts of climate change, and protecting valuable natural resources. If the donation benefits the public by permanently protecting important conservation resources and meets other federal tax code requirements, it can qualify as a tax-deductible charitable donation. While Casey Trees can provide basic tax information, we strongly recommend that you consult with your tax advisor or legal counsel to understand the personal implications of a conservation easement.
DOES GRANTING A CONSERVATION EASEMENT GIVE THE PUBLIC A RIGHT TO ACCESS MY PROPERTY?
Not necessarily. A conservation easement doesn’t automatically require public access, or give the public the right to use your property. Casey Trees monitors the site annually to ensure that the agreed upon uses in the conservation agreement are being upheld, and to recommend measures to further protect and enhance the conservation values on-site