Guidelines for Drafting Conservation Restrictions

Date of Publication: 03/24/2024

Author: Stephen J. Small, Esq.; Susan J. Crane

Last reviewed by MLTC: 9/27/2025

  1. Conservation Restriction Provisions that Land Trusts Should Pay Careful Attention to (Stephen J. Small, Esq;  03/24/2024)

    Highlights the most important provisions to include in a Conservation Restriction so it remains enforceable in perpetuity. Covers IRS compliance, reserved rights, baseline documentation, and amendment considerations.

    Document: small_in_perpetuity_document.pdf 

     

  2. Steps for Putting Together a Conservation Restriction Deal (Susan J. Crane; 05/07/2014)

    Guidance for land trusts and municipalities on how to successfully complete a conservation restriction project. It outlines the stages of negotiation, donor engagement, and state approval to ensure projects move smoothly from concept to completion.

    Document: crane_putting_deal_together_cr.pdf