Conservation Easement
Definition
A legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization or government agency that permanently limits a property's uses in order to protect the property's conservation values.
Source
Triangle Land Conservancy. "Glossary of Land Conservation Terms and Techniques." Triangle Land Conservancy. 24 Nov 2008. 2 July 2009.http://www.triangleland.org/landowner/glossary.shtml
Alternative definition
A voluntary deed restriction placed by the landowner on his or her property to protect valuable agricultural resources, including soils, water quality, wildlife habitat, historic sites and scenic views.
Alternative source
