Conservation easements - as easy as a phone call

With the support of her family, and with help from the Minnesota Land Trust, Betty was able to carry out the wishes of her late husband. Betty permanently preserved 2,700 feet of shoreline and 33 acres of forested habitat for songbirds, grouse, wolves and bears.

Betty was able to do this by placing a conservation easement on her property. A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement that allows a landowner to voluntarily limit the use and development of their land in order to permanently preserve the land's natural features. The landowner continues to hold the title, pay property taxes, and use the land in any way not prohibited by the terms of the agreement. A landowner, like Betty, can sell or lease the land or transfer it to heirs, but future owners will also be bound by the terms of the agreement. This is how the land is protected forever.

If you would like to follow Betty's example and permanently protect your little piece of paradise, the people listed below can help. They can guide you through the process to eliminate confusion, help you get quick answers to your questions and make certain that your desires are matched up with the appropriate organization.

All you have to do is make a phone call, send an email, or write a letter. Just a few minutes of your time could make a difference forever.

Aitkin County: Steve Hughes, Aitkin Soil and Water Conservation District, 218-927-6565,swcd@mlecmn.net

Cass County, John Sumption, Cass County Environmental Services, 218-547-7241,john.sumption@co.cass.mn.us

Crow Wing County: Phil Hunsicker, 1000 Friends of Minnesota218-824-5095, phunsicker@1000fom.org

Hubbard County: Doug Kingsley, DNR, 218-732-4153, doug.kingsley@dnr.state.mn.us

Itasca County: Art Norton, The Nature Conservancy, 218-327-4364,arthur_norton@tnc.org