A conservation easement is one way landowners can protect the environmental value of their property while continuing to own it.  It is a legal agreement between a landowner and a nonprofit conservation group or public agency that limits use of the land to ensure the owner's conservation goals for the property are upheld. 

Landowners in Barrington Hills and the surrounding communities are the primary stewards of the natural and historic heritage of our countryside. Unprecedented development pressures in the Barrington Hills area are escalating land values and forcing many landowners to make decisions regarding the future of their land. Often these decisions are driven by financial needs and estate tax burdens. Fortunately, the use of conservation easements provides a flexible option for private landowners who wish to preserve the natural resources of their lands while meeting their financial objectives.

Barrington Area Conservation Trust has a team of conservation development experts who are available to do a preliminary plan for large properties of 20 acres or more at no cost to the property owner. Doing such a plan provides the landowner with an excellent example of the development potential of his/her property and the tax advantages to utilizing a conservation approach.  The plan is completely confidential and non-binding.