Frequently Asked Questions - Conservation Easements

What is a Conservation Easement and how long have they been in existence?
How do I benefit by agreeing to a conservation easement?
What happens to the conservation easement when I sell my property or pass it along to my heirs?
Does the Conservancy take over the management of my property after I complete a conservation easement?
Do I have to be wealthy to financially benefit from a conservation easement?
How does everyone in Tinicum benefit from conservation easements?
Does the Conservancy accept easements from other townships?
Is a conservation easement really permanent?
What tax benefits are available to me if I complete a conservation easement?
Can I receive payment for a conservation easement?
Can I be reimbursed for my appraisal, survey and attorney fees related to the conservation easement?
Why do I need to make a contribution to the Stewardship Fund?
How do I learn more about Conservation Easements?
What should I do if I am considering or have just purchased a property that is under a conservation easement?

What is a Conservation Easement and how long have they been in existence?
A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement with a landowner and the Tinicum Conservancy or other conservancy or government agency to permanently protect the important conservation and/or agricultural values of the property and limit further development of the property. This agreement also allows the landowner to continue control of the property and retain certain rights to manage and develop the property.

How do I benefit by agreeing to a conservation easement?
Conservation easements can benefit a landowner by ensuring the long-term protection of their property; potentially provide tax benefits and/or payment for the relinquishment of development rights; include the possibility of tax relief; and open up opportunities for additional management assistance from the Conservancy and other resource professionals.

What happens to the conservation easement when I sell my property or pass it along to my heirs?
The landowner can sell or transfer the property in the same way they could without a conservation easement, however, the rights, restriction and other requirements included in the conservation easement remain with the property in perpetuity.

Does the Conservancy take over the management of my property after I complete a conservation easement?
No, the landowner retains all the responsibilities for managing the property.

Do I have to be wealthy to financially benefit from a conservation easement?
No. Landowners from different economic backgrounds can benefit from the tax deductions or financial compensation available from agreeing to a conservation easement. Landowners should always consult with a tax professional to determine the benefits based on their own circumstances.

How does everyone in Tinicum benefit from conservation easements?
Regardless of whether you own a conservation easement or not, as a resident of Tinicum you benefit from improved water, healthy environment, a high quality of life, and lower infrastructure.

Does the Conservancy accept easements from other townships?
Yes, the Conservancy will consider conservation easements from landowners in adjacent townships if the easement will have a positive impact on the environmental health of Tinicum.

Is a conservation easement really permanent?
Yes, conservation easements are designed to be permanent and can only be modified or extinguished under very unique circumstances.

What tax benefits are available to me if I complete a conservation easement?
If the conservation easement meets all federal requirements, a landowner may be able to deduct the value of the conservation easement against 30% of the landowner's adjusted gross income over 6 years.

Can I receive payment for a conservation easement?
Under limited circumstance, financial payment may be available through local, county or state grants. The Conservancy can help you determine if you qualify.

Can I be reimbursed for my appraisal, survey and attorney fees related to the conservation easement?
The Conservancy may have funds available to assist landowners who need financial assistance with these easement related expenses. Ask us about the current status of these grants and whether you might qualify.

Why do I need to make a contribution to the Stewardship Fund?
Contributions to the stewardship fund help to ensure that the conservation easement will be monitored and enforced for the long-term.

How do I learn more about Conservation Easements?
Feel free to contact Executive Director, Jim Engel, for more information about conservation easements and whether your property will qualify.

What should I do if I am considering or have just purchased a property that is under a conservation easement?
If you are considering or have recently purchased a conserved property, please contact the Conservancy and your legal counsel for more information. Because the easement will remain in effect if you purchase the property, it is very important to understand all the easement limitations and allowances before making a final decision.