Conservation easements now protect more than 18 million acres of land throughout the United States. But uncertainties in the law and abusive practices threaten to undermine public confidence in the effectiveness of conservation easements as land protection tools. A February 15 conference at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law promises to explore the issues surrounding conservation easements.
The half-day conference, sponsored by the Wallace Stegner Center for Land, Resources and the Environment, includes panels on Federal Tax Incentives, State Enabling Statutes, Charity Oversight and Working with State Attorney General Offices.
“Perpetual conservation easements have become the single most popular private land protection tool in the U.S.,” said conference organizer Nancy McLaughlin, Professor of Law at the College of Law. “This conference brings a diverse group of leaders together to discuss the history of this uniquely American land protection tool, the problems that have arisen as a result of its widespread use, proposed reforms, and strategies to ensure that these perpetual instruments actually provide the promised conservation benefits to the public over the long term.”
The conference will be held Friday, February 15 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. MST in the Sutherland Moot Courtroom at the College of Law. To watch on-line, go to ulaw.tv and there is no registration required. There is a $75 fee to attend in person, and registration is required. For more information or to register, call 801-585-3440 or click here.