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.