Land Conservation Q & A

What is the Land Conservancy of Adams County?

The Land Conservancy (LCAC) is a small, member-supported, non-profit organization with a mission to preserve the rural lands and character of Adams County. That work is accomplished primarily by working with private property owners who want to protect their land as open space, which we do together with a conservation easement. 

What is a Conservation Easement?

A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a private landowner and a conservation organization (like a non-profit or local government) that protects the land by limiting certain uses. The goal is to preserve important resources, such as wildlife habitats, farmland, forests, or historic areas. In simple terms, a conservation easement helps prevent development and protects the land from harmful activities.

Why is it Important?

Conservation easements are one of the only ways to permanently protect rural and agricultural lands. While zoning laws or special tax programs like Clean & Green can help for a while, they aren’t permanent — zoning laws can change, and land in Clean & Green can be developed if taxes are paid. Conservation easements ensure that the natural beauty and character of our countryside are protected forever. If you’ve noticed unexpected new developments in your area and wondered how to prevent them, this is how LCAC tries to protect our open spaces.

What Does 'Permanent' Mean? Can an Easement Be Removed?

Once a property is preserved with a conservation easement, which is recorded like a property deed, it’s preserved forever. Even if someone buys the land, they have to follow the terms of the easement. The land can’t be “unpreserved” or swapped for other properties. Every easement is tailored to the specific property, and future owners must honor that.

Can Easements Be Changed?

Mostly, no—but sometimes, yes. Changes, called “amendments,” are only allowed if they maintain or improve the original conservation goals. For example, adding more development rights such as subdivision or additional houses would likely be denied. However, if someone wanted to reduce development rights, LCAC would happily consider that!

Can I Subdivide My Land?

Generally, no, unless your specific easement allows it. People sometimes confuse LCAC’s conservation easements with those held by Adams County through its farmland preservation program, which may allow a 2-acre subdivision for specific purposes. LCAC’s conservation easements are tailored to each property and many don’t permit any subdivision, while some on larger properties may describe the possibility for limited subdivision.

Do I Have to Open My Land to the Public if I Preserve It?

No! While some properties enrolled in Clean & Green may be required to provide limited public access (if they are in the Ag Reserve category), most conservation easements don’t. Public access is only required if certain government grants are involved, so it’s up to the landowner whether to accept those funds and allow it.

Does a Conservation Easement Protect Against Eminent Domain?

Unfortunately, no. Conservation easements can’t prevent the government from using eminent domain to take land, if necessary, for public projects.

I Don’t Own Land. How Can I Help?

Great question! You can still support land conservation by volunteering, becoming a member, or donating to the Land Conservancy at the Giving Spree on November 7. Every contribution helps us continue our work to protect more land. There’s always more to do, and every bit of support counts! Be sure to include LCAC on your donation form - #68.

Sarah Kipp is the Conservation Director of the Land Conservancy. 

photo by Jeannette Newton