Land Use & Zoning
What is a 'conservation easement' and how is it used in Pennsylvania agricultural preservation?
AA government order restricting development in flood-prone areas
BA voluntary, perpetual deed restriction limiting development to preserve agricultural, scenic, or environmental values in exchange for payment or tax benefits✓ Correct
CA temporary easement allowing public access for hiking on private land
DA PADEP permit required before converting wetlands to farmland
Explanation
A conservation easement is a voluntary deed restriction, held by a land trust or government entity, permanently limiting development of a parcel to protect its agricultural, scenic, historic, or environmental values. Pennsylvania's farmland preservation program purchases agricultural conservation easements (ACEs) from willing farmers, paying the difference between the farm's development value and agricultural value. Pennsylvania has preserved over 600,000 acres through conservation easements.
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