Methods of land preservation in Michigan

Conservation Easement

A conservation easement is voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust, conservancy or government agency that permanently limits the uses of the property.

Purchase of Development Rights

PDR compensates landowners for the appraised, fair market value of their development rights in exchange for a permanent agricultural conservation easement on the property.

Open Space/Conservation Development

This type of development layout usually results in smaller, clustered lots and an area of permanently protected open space. Michigan law prevents the open space from being a golf course.

Non-Contiguous Open Space Development

Similar to Open Space/Conservation Development, except that the open space is not contiguous (right next to) the development.

Public Purchase

Any governmental unit may purchase land. There must be a binding agreement authorized by a public body and recoreded with the Register of Deeds for property to be removed from the tax rolls.

USDA Land Conservation Programs

The USDA offers serveral land conservation programs throught its Natural Resources Conservation Service. Programs include Conservation Reserve Program, Wetland Reserve Program, Farmland Preservation Program and many more.

PA 116

PA 116, called the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program, is designed to preserve farmland and open space throught agreements that restrict development for a temporary period, and provide tax incentives for participation.

Donation

A total or partial gift of land, possibly with restrictions on future use. Can be used in combination with other methods.