An easement gives one party the right to go onto another party's property. That property may be owned by a private person, a business entity, or a group of owners. Utilities often get easements that allow them to run pipes or phone lines beneath private property. Easements may be obtained for access to another property, called "access and egress", use of spring water, entry to make repairs on a fence or slide area, drive cattle across and other uses. The easement is a real property interest, but separate from the legal title of the owner of the underlying land.
A Connecticut Deed of Conservation Easement is a legal instrument that allows landowners to voluntarily restrict certain uses of their property in order to protect natural resources, open space, agricultural land, wildlife habitats, or historical sites. It is a legally binding agreement between the landowner, known as the granter, and a conservation organization, municipality, or governmental agency, referred to as the grantee. This easement serves as a perpetual protection mechanism, ensuring the conservation values of the land are preserved for future generations. Connecticut recognizes several types of Deed of Conservation Easements, each tailored to meet specific conservation goals and priorities. These include: 1. Conservation Easement: This is the most common type of easement, which restricts development and ensures the preservation of natural resources, scenic views, and natural habitats. 2. Open Space Easement: This type of easement focuses on preserving open spaces, such as parks, trails, or recreational areas, for public use and enjoyment. It prevents any commercial development and limits certain activities to maintain the open space character. 3. Historic Preservation Easement: This easement is designed specifically to safeguard historical landmarks or structures of cultural significance. It restricts alterations or demolition of the designated property and ensures its preservation for historical and educational purposes. 4. Agricultural Easement: Aimed at protecting working farmlands and promoting agriculture, this easement restricts the conversion of agricultural lands into non-agricultural uses. It helps to preserve Connecticut's farming heritage and sustains the agricultural economy. Each type of Deed of Conservation Easement is individually tailored to the specific needs and objectives of the landowner and the conservation organization or governmental agency involved. These easements are non-transferable and run with the land, meaning they bind future property owners to the terms outlined in the easement, ensuring the continuity of land conservation efforts. Connecticut's Deed of Conservation Easements play a vital role in safeguarding natural resources, preserving open spaces, protecting historical sites, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. They provide a legal framework for private-public partnerships aimed at long-term land preservation and contribute significantly to the state's overall conservation efforts.
