Data Summary

PA Conserved Land - Conservation Easements

2024 - WeConservePA

API
REST: https://mapservices.pasda.psu.edu/server/rest/services/pasda/WeConservePA/MapServer
WMS: https://mapservices.pasda.psu.edu/server/services/pasda/WeConservePA/MapServer/WMSServer?request=GetCapabilities&service=WMS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Web Application: https://conservationtools.org
Data Archive: Download historic versions of this dataset

ABSTRACT
The conservation easement is a tool for conserving land in the public interest that doesn’t rely on government regulations and that allows private landowners to maintain ownership and control of their land. A conservation easement is established by mutual agreement between a landowner and a private land trust or government. The easement limits certain uses of the land in order to achieve particular conservation objectives while keeping the land in the owner’s control. The owner may continue to use the land as the owner wishes—within the constraints agreed to when establishing the easement. A conservation easement does not create a right for the public to access a property, unless the owner explicitly establishes that right. The conservation easement, which is an interest in real property, continues in force no matter who owns the land in the future. Practically all conservation easements are designed to be perpetual; for nearly all land trusts and circumstances, this is non-negotiable. For more information, search “Conservation Easement” at https://conservationtools.org/.