Conservation easements are OVLC's primary tool for land preservation. A conservation easement is a voluntary, written agreement between a landowner and a qualified organization, such as the Okanogan Valley Land Council. It permanently protects specific conservation values such as wildlife habitat, riparian areas, agricultural lands, historic structures, scenic views, and open spaces. Conservation easements are permanently attached to property title, and their limitations on use are designed to protect conservation values in perpetuity.

Each easement is individually tailored to fit the land, and a careful process ensures that both landowner and the OVLC are able to craft an agreement that meets the desires of both parties.

A conservation easement does not
* Change the property ownership or grant public access
* Change a landowner's right to sell or bequeath land
* Limit management or use of the land beyond what is required and agreed upon to protect the conservation values.

Okanogan Land Legacy: Conservation Easement Information is a publication that explains conservation easements in more detail. In addition, OVLC is pleased to explain the process personally before a landowner decides if this is the right course of action to take.

OVLC currently holds five conservation easements that protect over 1,000 acres of land. Conservation values protected include wildlife habitat, agricultural lands, scenic views, open space and riparian zones. Landowners on these lands have chosen the conservation easement as the best tool for preserving the vitality, health, and function of the land for generations to come.

Connecting with a Special Sense of Place: Landowners Peter Clitherow and Arvia Morris Share Their Story