Easement case studies

Here are just a few variations among conservation easements held by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation:

photo by Darrel Mills/INHF

Though land protected by conservation easements
remains in private ownership and is not open for
public use, easements provide public benefits like
water quality protection, wildlife habitat and scenic
views. As a result, easement donors may qualify
for a variety of tax benefits.

Protecting history and hard work: The Buckmaster family has spent decades protecting the prehistoric mounds on their Allamakee County land. Meanwhile, they are restoring prairie on an historic blufftop—while seeing neighboring bluffs scarred by unsightly, poorly planned development. By donating a conservation easement that protects the site’s ecological and archeological treasures, the Buckmasters know their special land and hard work won’t be lost.

The Upper Iowa River is a great location for a myriad of activities including canoeing

photo by Joe McGovern/INHF

Paddlers float past these limestone bluffs on the
Upper Iowa River in Winneshiek County. This
scenic view has been permanently protected
through a conservation easement donated by
Bill Heine and David Heine.

Protecting spectacular scenery: Brothers David Heine and Bill Heine own land along the Upper Iowa River in Winneshiek County. Their property includes some of the most striking limestone palisades in the river corridor—an area that draws oohs and aahs from paddlers and others enjoying the river. To protect this scenic beauty, their easement prohibits development visible from the river.

The Connell family

Preserving undeveloped shoreline and water quality: The Connell family has long owned land along Clear Lake, where shoreline property is priced by the linear foot. The extended family donated a conservation easement land that includes 4,300 feet of shoreline—prohibiting development and protecting native ecosystems. In addition to its scenic value as undeveloped shoreline, their property provides wildlife habitat and acts as a natural filter to clean water entering the lake. Unlike most other INHF easement donors, the family also chose easement language that allows low-impact public access—continuing the long tradition of lake users escaping to this peaceful place for picnics or hikes.
Protecting prairie pastures: See the case study of Jim and Katie Owens’ ranchland easement in the Getting Started section.

photo by Cathy Engstrom/INHF

Bob deNeui stands next to an enormous
cottonwood tree on his protected conservation
easement.

Extending value of a public nature area: Bob deNeui and wife Joell bought land on the Iowa River near his boyhood home in Hardin County. Over time, the deNeuis have donated two conservation easements on their property. They sold another parcel to the Hardin County Conservation Board for a bargain price. Because the deNeui’s private property adjoins county land, their easements have a multiplier effect on local wildlife habitat, scenic beauty and water quality.

Conservation easement basics | Your easement holder
Easement case studies | "Can I get paid for my easement"