07/08/2026
BRAVO to the good folks at North American Land Trust!!
For quite some time now, conservation easements have been in the crosshairs of conservationists across the Country, especially Florida.
On many popular Conservation Websites, and FB Pages, easements are frequently boldly passed off as "forever protection", or "permanently saved land", or land under "perpetual no development" provisions. Some of these easements involve many thousands of acres of pristine land. They are often hailed as the best solution for preserving the rapidly disappearing wild places, and keeping the traditional best stewards of the land, the ranchers and farmers, in place.
This very well-written Post by a national leader in this field tells the real truth about easements. We sincerely commend North American Land Trust for its candor.
The truth is that conservation easements in many, if not all, cases, have "Amendment", or "Extinguishment" clauses in them that allow the landowner to reconsider the easement if any of a wide variety of events make the easement difficult to maintain or produce the desired results. A Judge can allow them in some cases to make amendments and "lift" (or remove), the easement altogether, or in pieces, even years later, and "protected" land can then still be developed.
It is important that voters and taxpayers know the difference between conservation easements and true Title Acquisition, which actually changes ownership of the property to the buyer, often a County or City or State, for them to maintain.
Your thoughts on this very emotional and controversial issue are as always greatly appreciated! Thank you!
