A conservation easement is a legal agreement entered into by a landowner and a qualified land conservation organization, such as Yampa Valley Land Trust.  The purpose of the conservation easement is to protect conservation values of a property.  The landowner and the land conservation organization agree to certain restrictions related to future uses of the property - as defined in the conservation easement - in order to preserve the conservation values.  Each conservation easement is unique and specifically tailored to the land being conserved.  The conservation easement is perpetual and applies to the current landowner and all future landowners.  The landowner continues to own, manage and use the land according to the restrictions set forth in the conservation easement. 

If you are a landowner interested in conserving your property, please contact us for more information.

The conservation values of the property protected through the conservation easement can include natural, scenic, agricultural, historic and/or open land resources.  The conservation values are spelled out within the Internal Revenue Code.  Specifically, some conservation values found on properties conserved with Yampa Valley Land Trust are:

Habitat for a Variety of Fish, Wildlife or Plant

“Protection of relatively natural habitat of fish, wildlife, or plants, or similar ecosystems ...” 

Open Space, Scenic Vistas, Farmland, Ranchlands and Forestland

“The preservation of certain open space (including farmland and forestland) …”

Historic

"The preservation of an historically important land area or a certified historic structure …”

Public Recreation

"The preservation of land areas for outdoor recreation by, or the education of, the general public …”

Occasionally, upon request, YVLT works with local Northwest Colorado communities to conserve lands for public recreation use.

Additionally, in support of local communities, YVLT can work with the region's cities and towns.  For example, YVLT has worked with the City of Steamboat Springs to conserve lands available for public recreational uses, which is also recognized as a conservation value.

Are you an avid skier, fisherman, hunter, birdwatcher or outdoor enthusiast interested in purchasing land in the Yampa Valley?  Have you fallen under the spell of the deep Western heritage, magical views and abundant wildlife so prevalent in the Yampa Valley while visiting or residing in this lush Rocky Mountain haven? Are you interested in playing an integral role in conserving the Yampa Valley’s unique open space?

Are You a Philanthropist?

If so, perhaps you are a conservation buyer.  Yampa Valley Land Trust’s Conservation Buyer Program gives conservation-minded buyers the opportunity to protect these precious and irreplaceable resources.

A conservation buyer is a purchaser of real estate who is concerned with the preservation of open land, wildlife and scenic vistas in Northwest Colorado and is willing to work with Yampa Valley Land Trust to protect these conservation values.  YVLT’s Conservation Buyer Program unites buyers with sellers for a like-minded goal of conserving Northwest Colorado’s unique Western heritage, traditional working landscapes and wide-open spaces.

A summary of important conservation properties that are for sale can be supplied to qualified conservation buyers.  Potential conservation buyers should first contact Yampa Valley Land Trust directly.  YVLT can provide more extensive information about conservation easements and owning a protected property.