Permanent Conservation Easement Information

Smith County's Dixona is just one of many historic properties that are legally protected from destruction by a Permanent Conservation Easement.

The Land Trust for Tennessee preserves historic sites and natural landscapes through permanent conservation easements. A permanent conservation easement is a legal agreement by which landowners voluntarily place restrictions on the future use or development of their property. Since being established in 1999 The Land Trust for Tennessee has saved thousands of acres of land throughout the State of Tennessee.

How does your land qualify for a Permanent Conservation Easement?

As the property owner, you see important natural or historic features of your land that should be protected, and you are willing to give up development rights in order to achieve their protection. In order to donate your development rights to The Land Trust for Tennessee and be eligible for tax benefits, the IRS requires that one of these "qualified conservation purposes" are met: 

1. Preservation of open space, including farm and forest, for scenic enjoyment.

2. The protection of natural habitats of fish, wildlife or plants.

3. The protection of historically important land, buildings or other structures.

4. Preservation of land areas for outdoor recreation by, or the education of, the general public. 

The LTTN also has specific criteria, such as the property’s location and unique conservation values, that determine whether LTTN is the appropriate organization to protect this property. There is no minimum size requirement, and they protect urban, suburban and rural lands. You may also place a portion of your property under easement or phase an easement in over time. 

Benefits of obtaining a Permanent Conservation Easement for your property:

• The property’s natural and/or historic features will always be protected.
• Property will be easier to pass to your heirs.
• Property owners will be eligible for property and estate tax breaks.

Land can be left to the LTTN through a Permanent Conservation Easement:

Individuals who have no heirs can leave their land to The Land Trust for Tennessee. Perhaps the best example of this practice in motion is the Glen Leven Farm in south Nashville. The 65 acre farm was left to the LTTN in 2006 and has been wonderfully maintained ever since. By obtaining a permanent conservation easement and leaving your land to the LTTN you will have the peace of mind in knowing your property will be protected forever. 

The Process:

Obtaining a permanent conservation easement through The Land Trust for Tennessee is a fairly easy process. Moore Historical Consulting’s Carver Moore will come to your property and evaluate it for its historic significance and integrity. Then he will sit down with you and talk about your plans for your permanent conservation easement. He will then fill out an initial application on your behalf. A representative from The Land Trust for Tennessee will make a visit along with Moore to the property. At that time a decision will be made concerning the easement. The entire process takes approximately 3-6 months.

Why hire Moore Historical Consulting to do the job?

Moore Historical Consulting’s Carver Gribble Moore is a man with three last names and is deeply rooted in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee. This fact alone led him to start Moore Historical Consulting as a way to give back to the area that has made him. He firmly believes that our historic sites deserve to be preserved for the next generation through the National Register of Historic Places. Through the Tennessee Century Farms program farming families can be recognized for their agricultural heritage. Historic Preservation is and continues to be the main priority at Moore Historical Consulting. At Moore Historical Consulting discovering and preserving your past is fun and easy!!

Rates for Permanent Conservation Easements:

Rates for permanent conservation easements start at $25/hour. Outside of National Register of Historic Places nominations, these projects are the most involved projects that Moore Historical Consulting does. A quote normally given to a client is ten (10) hours. In some instances the client will have to hire an attorney, in addition to Moore Historical Consulting’s Carver Moore, if obtaining the easement as part of their will. 

Contact Info:

If you are the owner of a property that might be eligible for a Permanent Conservation Easement, Carver Moore of Moore Historical Consulting can be reached at:

moorehistoricalconsulting@gmail.com