Why is land conservation important?

Land conservation is important for water quality, wildlife habitat, farmlands, forestry, recreation and more!

What is a conservation easement?

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and an eligible conservation organization or agency that permanently limits the uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. Each easement is designed with the personal needs of the landowners and natural resources in mind. A conservation easement typically allows for forestry and agricultural uses, wildlife habitat protection and enhancement, maintenance of scenic views, and watershed protection. It may provide for public access and recreational or educational uses, but only if the landowner so chooses.

Common restricted uses on a conservation easement include residential, industrial, or commercial activities unrelated to agriculture or forestry, land subdivision of any kind, and introduction of structures/improvements not necessary in the accomplishment of agriculture or forestry. Landowners retain ownership of the land, can sell, or pass on their land in the future, however the conservation restrictions remain in perpetuity.

Does RCCD hold easements?

The Rockingham County Conservation District (RCCD) is one of several organizations that hold conservation easements in NH. The District currently manages over 100 easements making up 4,741 permanently protected acres throughout Rockingham County. While landowners retain ownership, it is RCCD responsibility to ensure that the natural resources on these easements are not degraded or lost due to onsite activities. Many of our easement landowners take great pride in maintaining their land, knowing that they will forever be protecting critical natural resources that include wetlands, riparian flood zones, prime farmland, rare or sensitive habitat and more.

RCCD is not currently taking on new conservation easements in order to focus on the stewardship of our existing easements. We do however offer services for contracted annual monitoring and baseline  monitoring. Please contact Arianna Spear, RCCD Conservation and Stewardship Manager for more information regarding contracted easement services.