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Groundwork
for the Future
We all
consider the future when making decisions that affect our
land and natural resources. Many times the question
arises: should we develop that special area of land or
leave it in its natural state? After all, we manage our
lands to earn a living.
At the
same time we recognize the value of conserving our
natural landscape for future generations. As landowners
we perform the key role in making conservation a reality.
Conservation
means many things. Preserving natural habitat. Retaining
elements of historic or archeological significance.
Protecting the quality of our air, water and soil. By
working together, these objectives can be reached.
Partners
in Protection
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement
between a landowner and a qualified conservation agency.
Under this agreement, the landowner continues to own and
manage the land with benefits to both the landowner and
the environment.
As a landowner, you can take steps to
preserve your property’s conservation values, retain
use of the land, and at the same time receive income tax
benefits. A conservation agency of your choice can assist
you in preparing an agreement. A conservation easement
can be granted for a specified time, or in perpetuity.
Qualifying
for a Conservation Easement
A conservation easement is an option for any landowner
whose land contains conservation value.
An easement could protect, enhance or
restore a natural area or simply preserve an open stretch
of land. Other purposes  may be to
retain significant archaeological or historic features.
Benefits
of Granting an Easement
Granting a conservation easement means you are preserving
the environment value of your land for the future. If the
easement is granted in perpetuity, the natural values of
the property will be protected indefinitely, no matter
who owns the land in the future.
The donation of a conservation easement
is viewed by Revenue Canada as a charitable gift. The
value of the gift is the difference between the
land’s value with the conservation easement and the
best land-use value without the easement. This taxable
benefit may be observed at the time of donation or
extended over five years.
As the grantor of a conservation
easement, you receive an immediate tax benefit. If the
land is sold, the conservation easement will be
transferred with the property, and terms of the easement
will remain. These arrangements may also ease the
financial burden of intergenerational land transfer.
In some instances, conservation agencies
may be willing to purchase an easement on privately-owned
lands. A conservation easement may also be donated
through a will.
Jennifer’s
grandad
has been farming in Saskatchewan for close to forty
years. A favorite spot on his land is a 30-acre strip of
prairie along the old abandoned railway. There’s
always wildlife there, and the spring flowers, especially
the crocuses, are beautiful.
 By placing
a conservation easement on this land, Jennifer’s
grandad retains ownership and is assured the area is
conserved in its natural state. He also receives an
income tax benefit and lowers the cost of a future land
transfer to Jennifer.
We all consider the future when making
decisions that affect our land and natural resources.
Many times the question arises: should we develop that
special area of land or leave it in its natural state?
After all, we manage our lands to earn a living.
At the same time we recognize the value
of conserving our natural landscape for future
generations. As landowners we perform the key role in
making conservation a reality.
Conservation means many things.
Preserving natural habitat. Retaining elements of
historic or archaeological significance. Protecting the
quality of our air, water and soil. By working together,
these objectives can be reached.
Frequently Asked
Questions (PDF)
Arranging
an Easement
If there’s a special area on your land - be it
prairie, wetland, aspen bluff or even an historic site -
why not plan to keep it that way? Contact an agency that
best suits your objectives for conservation and land
management.
The
following agencies are able to hold conservation
easements:
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