Ways to protect land
at the time of transfer

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Deed Restriction
When you sell, donate, or transfer land to a family member, you can give it short-term protection by placing language in the deed to restrict how it can be used. The deed restriction remains in effect for only 21 years unless re-recorded. Unlike a conservation easement, there is no third party to monitor and enforce a deed restriction.

Conditional Transfer
When you donate or sell land for conservation, you can state that the land will transfer to someone else if the landholding agency does not use the land as you describe. The land might revert to the original owner and heirs, or to another conservation organization. Conditions are effective for 21 years unless re-recorded. See Section 614.24, Code of Iowa, for details.

Conservation Easement Prior to Transfer
If you plan to sell your land on the open market, you can protect it with a conservation easement first. See section on Conservation Easements for more information.

To discuss any of these options and how they can work in combination for you, contact the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation at 515/288-1846.