Government » Departments R-Z » Soil & Water Conservation

Land Preservation and Easement Program

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Protecting Farmland. Preserving Heritage. Planning for the Future.

Union County Land Preservation & Easement Program Iconography of a farm and farm animals.

Union County’s Land Preservation and Easement Program helps protect working farms and rural landscapes for future generations. As the County continues to grow, this program ensures we can balance development with conservation by keeping agricultural land in agricultural use.

 

 

Program Goals

  • Permanently protect high-quality farmland and open space

  • Conserve Union County’s rural character and agricultural heritage

  • Reduce land use conflicts between agriculture and other development

  • Promote long-term land stewardship and environmental sustainability

What Is a Conservation Easement?

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and Union County Soil and Water Conservation District. It permanently limits certain uses of the land to protect its conservation value, while allowing the landowner to continue owning, using and even selling the land. These easements are tailored to each property and designed to preserve its agricultural, natural or scenic qualities.

Easements are recorded with the property deed and remain in place if the land is sold or inherited. Union County staff monitor each easement to ensure compliance and continued protection.

Union County currently ranks 13th in the nation for loss of open space. As residential development increases, preserving farmland is more important than ever.

“This program gives us a tool to preserve our agricultural roots for future generations,” said Alan Aldridge, Director of the Soil and Water Conservation District.

The Land Preservation and Easement Program reflects a deep commitment to protecting our local food supply, rural identity and economy.