Arizona Conservation Easement Stewards, Inc.
4801 E Broadway, Ste. 400
Tucson, AZ 85711
info@acesaz.org

W hat
     is a C onservation E asement ?

    During the property design process, Developers often will dedicate or are required to dedicate land to preserve and protect onsite natural resources with conservation value.  A Conservation Easement is a legally binding agreement between a property owner and ACES (the easement holder) that restricts the amount of developable area for residential and/or commercial uses and defines habitat disturbance parameters within a property.  Conservation Easements, which are voluntary in nature, can complement government land use regulations and structural controls to protect natural resources throughout the development and occupancy of a property.  Conservation Easements may be located on individual and/or common areas throughout the property.

    Conservation Easements enhance the value of the property by preserving portions of the property in a natural state for the use and enjoyment of property owners.  The more attractive an area is to live in, the higher its value.   Also, in many instances, these easements benefit a Developer because they allow increased density.

W hat
     is necessary to manage a C onservation E asement ?

    Like almost anything, a Conservation Easement requires maintenance.  Such an easement must be protected from encroachments, vandalism or destruction, and other matters that run counter to its purpose. Without some perpetual entity monitoring the easement, it is possible that it may be encroached upon, built upon, or even taken by adverse possession, essentially impairing or destroying it and causing the devaluation of homes or development benefitted by the easement.