What is a preservation easement?
An easement is a right. A “preservation easement” is a recorded document that limits the type and amount of development that may occur on a property.

You may own a particular farm property “fee simple,” meaning that you have all rights to occupy, use, and enjoy the land. One right that you have is the right to develop that property for commercial, residential, or other use as prescribed in your township’s zoning ordinance.

When we say that we would like to “purchase an easement,” we mean that we would like to purchase only the development rights associated with property so that it is preserved as farmland for the future.

Show All Answers

1. Why are you contacting me?
2. What is a preservation easement?
3. If I sell the county a preservation easement, do I still own the land?
4. Will sale of the development rights to my land reduce its value?
5. Is there a market for deed restricted farmland?
6. How do you determine the value of my development rights?
7. Why should I sell my development rights to the county?
8. If developers can offer me a higher price, why should I sell to the county?
9. If I sell to the county will the public have the right to come on my property?
10. Is this program open to every farm owner?
11. What do I need to do to be considered for the program?
12. When will I know if I have been placed on the acquisition targeting list?
13. Does the county's focus on large farms mean that the county is not interested in smaller farm properties?
14. After I sell my development rights to the county, can I build a house for a child or other family member?
15. I have a non-agricultural use on my property or may want to establish one in the future, is this allowed?
16. How many farms are currently enrolled in this program?
17. When would the county buy my development rights?
18. Is there a deadline for submitting an application to the county for participation in the program?
19. What happens after I submit my application?
20. Am I required to submit a binding offer with the application to sell the development rights on my property for a certain price?
21. Am I required to accept the county's offer?
22. How do I get more information about the program?