What does a conservation easement achieve?

A conservation easement is a legal agreement that serves to protect and preserve natural resources on a piece of land. This type of arrangement allows landowners to maintain ownership while placing restrictions on how the land can be developed or used, effectively safeguarding its environmental value for future generations. These agreements typically focus on preserving wildlife habitats, water quality, scenic views, and agricultural use, making them vital tools in conservation efforts. By limiting certain types of development and use, a conservation easement helps to ensure that critical natural resources are protected in perpetuity, promoting ecological health and biodiversity.

The other options do not accurately describe the purpose or function of a conservation easement. Unrestricted land development, curtailment of public land use, and facilitation of tourism do not align with the fundamental goal of conserving and protecting land and its resources through legal agreements.