What is a Conservation Easement?
A legal contract between a landowner and a land conservancy that allows land to remain in private ownership but permanently protects the conservation values of the property. Each document follows a template that is tailored to the individual property. The conservation easement is permanent and is attached to the deed of the property in perpetuity. The land remains private, and the land conservancy will set up a time to visit, typically once a year, to ensure the restrictions in the easement are being followed.
To protect the conservation values of this high quality property, restrictions have been put into place through a conservation easement held by the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC). SWMLC is a local nonprofit organization that works with people in the community to improve habitat, protect water quality, support biodiversity, connect people with nature, and help families conserve the land they love.
Website for more information: www.swmlc.org
Restrictions:
- Subdivision is prohibited except to divide parcels 1 (80 acres) and 2 (127 acres)
- Commercial activities are limited
- Industrial activities are prohibited
- Subsurface mineral resources may be accessed through a non-develop lease
- Building additional structures is restricted
- New structures can be built in the two designated Building Envelope areas with limitations
- Perimeter fencing can be built with limitations
- The bridge over Cedar Creek can be maintained or rebuilt
- Hunting blinds and tree stands must be portable and non-permeant
- Cutting vegetation is restricted
- Trees in designated areas can be harvested with a Forest Management Plan approved by the Conservancy
- Open areas designated as Agriculture can be farmed or maintained as open space
- Shooting or viewing lanes are allowed with limitations
- Ecological Restoration is allowed with a plan approved by the Conservancy
- Trails and two tracks can be maintained and added with Conservancy approval
This list may not be all encompassing, for additional information please reference the full conservation easement document.
