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It is sort ot do-it-yourseil permanent zoning, but voluntary rather than regulatory. Of course, under Virginia law, the easement cannot be inconsistent with the local comprehensive plan or zoning.
Based on that, we decided to put the entire property into a conservation easement that protects the land in perpetuity. With the concurrence of all, we discussed what to include in the easement. I gave up my right to subdivide the property. Building on the ridgetop is forbidden. A buffer along the stream protects the riparian environment. Logging and farming are permitted but other commercial developments are not. I can build a replacement house and farm buildings if I wanted.
The easement was worked out with help and suggestions from John Rice and Bob Dennis of the Piedmont Environmental Council, President Bob Lander of the Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection and attorney Alan Dranitzke,
Many county residents believe that a conservation easement is nothing more than a sort of tax shelter for large landowners. That is not so. Our 26 acres are much smaller than most easement parcels. It is true that we might get a small tax break, but our only reason for the easement is to protect this land for future generations.
Better yet, because the property is already in a “land use” tax program, we understand that our modest gift will result in an increase of about $150 every year in additional state aid to Rappahannock’s public schools. This may turn out to be the best and most far-reaching return we’ll get from our easement donation.
96.5%