Over two-thirds of The Preserve at Rock Creek's 320 acres is protected by conservation easements established by the North American Land Trust. This ensures each property owner the privacy and security of a home site forever surrounded by land that will never be developed.
The information below is to help you better understand the purpose of placing the majority of The Preserve in conservation easements.
What is an easement?
An easement is the exchange of certain rights from the landowner to someone who does not own the land. Easements are typically used to provide governments, utilities, etc. Ownership of the land remains with the private property owner.
What is a conservation easement?
An easement is the exchange of certain rights from the landowner to someone who does not own the land. Easements are typically used to provide government or utility companies with certain rights to use the otherwise private property. Ownership of the land remains with the private property owner.
Who holds the easement?
Most commonly, a conservation easement is held by a non-profit entity. There are numerous organizations that exist to hold lands for conservation. In the case of the Preserve at Rock Creek, The North American Land Trust (NALT) holds the easement. Since the easement is typically granted in perpetuity, the easement holder is responsible for providing financial support for the maintenance of the easement.
Is the conservation easement land considered public property?
An easement does not have to permit public access and none will be permitted at the Preserve at Rock Creek.
Why place a conservation easement on this property?
The primary reason for placing a conservation easement on this property is the protection an easement offers the natural environment. Under a conservation easement, the watershed, viewshed, wildlife habitats, rare plant and animal species, and all of the delicate environmental conditions on the property will be protected, forever, from manipulation or destruction. At the same time, the easement will also protect each property owner's home site from encroachment by development, assuring them and their family perpetual privacy. The easement will allow for appropriate forest management and recreational use of the preserve by property owners, their families and guests.
Will I own the property in the conservation easement?
Yes. The Home Owner's Association will own the property; each property owner will own an undivided share of the entire preserve area.
