Conservation Easement

When you own a property, you have a bundle of rights that come with that ownership such as the right to sell, lease, subdivide it, develop it, hunt or lease for hunting, or the right to do nothing at all. When a property owner puts the land under a conservation easement, the property owner voluntarily gives up some of these rights yet still remain in control, or possession of the land. Conservation easements are voluntary legal agreements to preserve land in perpetuity. A conservation easement is a deed that spells out a landowners commitment to protect the existing character of the property.

At Axim Valuation Group, conservation easement appraisal is a specialized service area in which we bring a deep understanding of both the regulatory framework and the unique characteristics of the landscapes we evaluate. Jason Neary has conducted extensive work in this field across areas where conservation efforts are often prioritized due to their agricultural, ecological, and scenic significance.

Conservation easement valuations are inherently complex. They require not only a mastery of standard appraisal methodologies but also a nuanced understanding of land use restrictions, highest and best use analysis, and in most cases a larger parcel analysis. We regularly apply the “before-and-after” valuation methodology, assessing the market value of a property as if unencumbered and then as burdened by the proposed easement, considering factors such as development potential, access, water rights, and income potential.

Jason’s experience includes appraising a wide range of conservation easement scenarios ranging from working agricultural lands preserved under voluntary conservation agreements to riparian habitats and native rangeland set aside for ecological preservation. His background working with federal, state, and nonprofit conservation agencies ensures that each appraisal meets the stringent documentation and substantiation requirements expected by the IRS, Department of the Interior, and land trusts.

In regions where public-private conservation initiatives intersect with traditional land use, Jason’s regional insight provides clients with clear, defensible, and well-supported valuation conclusions. Axim Valuation Group combines local market knowledge with technical valuation expertise to support landowners, agencies, and legal representatives through the intricacies of conservation easement transactions.

Whether you are a landowner donating an easement, a nonprofit land trust, or a government agency acquiring development rights, we deliver the credible valuations you need to move forward with confidence.