CLCC Model Documents
CLCC Model Conservation Easement
Since launching the Model Conservation Easement Project in 2014, the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) has worked to develop and maintain a library of model legal documents and accompanying commentaries to support individuals and organizations in completing land conservation projects. These resources are designed to assist land trusts, landowners, and attorneys in drafting conservation easements and understanding key provisions. The use of the modifier “model” in the documents and associated commentary is not intended to imply that the document satisfies all legal requirements.
Note that changes in tax laws and Internal Revenue Service interpretations and rulings are frequent. CLCC reviews the model documents on an ongoing basis. However, these documents and any commentary are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute legal advice. Please review the model language carefully and always consult with your attorney when drafting a conservation easement and for other guidance.
If you have any questions about these documents, or would like them in a a Microsoft Word format, please contact us.
Conservation Easement
The model conservation easement offers standardized yet customizable language to assist in planning conservation transactions. It is intended to be informational and aspirational. It is not intended to and does not impose new obligations on land trusts and should not be cited as a reference for such purposes. (Second Edition 2019 revised 2022).
Conservation Easement Commentary
This commentary provides is intended to help land trusts interpret and customize the Model Conservation Easement. This resource is intended as an aid for drafters and negotiators of conservation easements. It is intended to be informational and aspirational. It is not intended to and does not impose new obligations on land trusts and should not be cited as a reference for such purposes.
Conservation Easement Compilation of Options
This Compilation provides land trusts with customizable options for tailoring conservation easements to specific project needs and goals. This Compilation should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice or legal opinion regarding any specific facts or circumstances. They are not a substitute for representation of competent counsel.
Forever Wild Conservation Easement
This model easement provides a general framework to allow passive use and limited human intervention with the goal of protecting and restoring wild ecological systems and their many benefits. It serves as a resource to land trusts seeking the greatest assurance that land will remain in its most natural state.
Agricultural Easement
This model easement is intended to be a tool for land trusts and landowners seeking to protect working lands. This easement is a compilation of the 2014 Connecticut Model Grant of Agricultural Conservation Restriction (developed by a coalition including the American Farmland Trust, Connecticut Farmland Trust, CT Dept. of Agriculture), and the Connecticut Land Conservation Council Model [Open Space] Conservation Easement (Second Edition 2019 rev. 2022).