Vermont Environmental Restriction Easement, also known as VERY, is a legal tool utilized by landowners in Vermont to protect and conserve their properties' natural resources and ecological values. It is an agreement created between a landowner (granter) and a qualified conservation organization or government entity (grantee), which places specific restrictions and limitations on the use and development of the land in perpetuity. VERY serves as a conservation strategy that helps maintain the ecological balance and environmental quality of Vermont's landscapes, ensuring the long-term protection of critical habitats, water resources, scenic areas, agricultural lands, and historic sites. This voluntary initiative allows landowners to preserve the unique environmental characteristics of their properties while continuing to own and manage them. Types of Vermont Environmental Restriction Easements may include: 1. Conservation Easement: This type of easement is primarily focused on safeguarding natural resources, including forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and rivers. Conservation easements are intended to preserve the overall ecological integrity of the land, prevent fragmentation, and maintain biodiversity. 2. Agricultural Easement: These easements primarily target agricultural lands and aim to protect farmland, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and preserve the viability of local food production. By restricting non-agricultural development and subdivision, agricultural easements ensure that farming remains a viable land use for future generations. 3. Scenic Easement: Scenic easements focus on preserving the visual aesthetics and scenic vistas of a particular property or landscape. Commonly associated with areas of outstanding natural beauty or historic significance, these easements prevent inappropriate development or actions that could adversely impact the visual character and scenic values of the land. 4. Historic Preservation Easement: This type of easement aims to protect historically significant buildings, structures, or sites from alteration, demolition, or inappropriate development. Historic preservation easements often ensure that the distinctive architectural, cultural, or archaeological values of a property are preserved for future appreciation and study. By voluntarily entering into a Vermont Environmental Restriction Easement, landowners help protect the state's natural resources, contribute to the conservation of open lands, maintain the beauty of Vermont's landscapes, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come. These easements provide a balance between landowner rights and responsibilities, offering incentives such as potential property tax benefits, ecological stewardship, and the satisfaction of safeguarding Vermont's unique natural heritage.