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.
Nebraska's Deed of Conservation Easement is a legal document that allows landowners to voluntarily protect their property's natural resources, agricultural land, and scenic areas. It establishes a long-term partnership between the landowners and conservation organizations, ensuring that certain activities are restricted or prohibited on the land, while facilitating sustainable land management practices. Conservation Easements in Nebraska can be categorized into various types, each addressing different conservation objectives and needs: 1. Agricultural Conservation Easement: This type of easement focuses on preserving agricultural land and its associated resources, such as cropland, pasture, and agricultural infrastructure. It often includes provisions that limit the development and conversion of the land to non-agricultural uses. 2. Natural Resource Conservation Easement: These easements aim to protect the natural resources found on the property, including forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and rare plant species. They often include provisions to promote sustainable forestry, wildlife management, and water quality protection. 3. Scenic Conservation Easement: Scenic easements preserve the scenic beauty and open spaces within a property, focusing on protecting view sheds, landscapes, and historical landmarks. These easements often limit or control any changes to the natural or man-made features that contribute to the scenic character of the land. 4. Water Resource Conservation Easement: This type of easement focuses on managing and conserving water resources, including rivers, streams, lakes, and groundwater. It may include provisions to control water usage, prevent pollution, and establish buffer zones to protect water quality. Nebraska's Deed of Conservation Easement is a legally binding agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the landowner and the holder of the easement, typically a conservation organization or government agency. It specifies the permitted uses of the land, the restrictions imposed, and the monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance. By voluntarily entering into a Deed of Conservation Easement, landowners in Nebraska can contribute to the preservation of the state's natural, agricultural, and scenic resources for future generations while potentially qualifying for various tax benefits and financial incentives.
