A 50-plus-acre property owner in Riceville valley has negotiated and completed a Conservation Easement for a major portion of family property. After extensive research on the pros and cons of a conservation easement, the family had the property assessed and surveyed. They then completed the necessary forms and applications with the assistance of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. The family has been assisted with public resources in the process. The over 50-plus acres is now permanently in a conservation easement for the purpose of leaving the land in its natural state with no intrusive development.

The SRA has information on groups that can assist landowners considering this option. (See the section on "Useful Contacts.") Significant new resources are emerging at the state and local level to enable more landowners to place their land in conservation easement.