An Overview of Easement Stewardship

Our Stewardship Program assists easement property owners with the continued stewardship of their land and assures — in perpetuity — that the conservation goals stated in the easement are upheld.

The dedicated staff of the VOF Stewardship Program perform many duties to maintain the conservation values of eased properties. These activities include:

• Visiting conserved lands to ensure the easement provisions are being upheld
• Answering landowner questions regarding stewardship or management of their land (wildlife management, forested lands, agricultural lands, riparian buffers, etc.)
• Conducting reviews and approvals for activities on the property (construction, subdivisions, harvesting timber, etc.)
• Interpreting provisions in easement deeds for the landowner
• Maintaining updated stewardship files on every VOF easement property
• Tracking land records including changes in ownership, current tax assessments, building permits
• Helping landowners correct easement violations through voluntary compliance, mediation or, if necessary, legal proceedings

Contact your local VOF Office for more information about easement stewardship.