Barbara and Carl Zacheis
protect woodland
with conservation easement

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Barbara and Carl Zacheis, of Newton, recently protected 31 acres of their property just northwest of Newton. By donating a conservation easement on their land to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, the Zacheis family is certain the woodland will never be developed and will remain in a natural state.

A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement in which the responsibilities and rewards of ownership continue, and unless otherwise specified, the landowner retains full control over public access, just as before. With a conservation easement, a landowner may sell the land or pass it on to others knowing that the woods, wetlands or other natural features of the area will always be protected from development.

Over a year's time, the Zacheis family talked with Kyle Swanson, Land Stewardship Director for INHF, about wishes for the land. Carl Zacheis said, "I knew of the foundation because I'd been a member for a few years."

Working together, the Zacheis family and INHF staff members worked out the language for the conservation easement that stated the family's wishes. This agreement will help protect the natural features of the land for generations to come.

Besides gaining peace of mind, landowners who donate conservation easements may also be eligible for an income tax deduction. Carl Zacheis said, "The easement creates a nice tax advantage for me. I'm sorry more people don't think of it as two opportunities: taxes and a legacy."

One important reason to protect this area is because Cherry Creek, one of the few natural creeks in the area, runs through the property. This conservation easement will allow the woods to act as a buffer that will help with the natural infiltration of water. Swanson said, "The easement protects the upper watershed of this small creek from development and will always be a buffer to the residential area and future development."

The conservation easement does not grant access to the general public to any portion of the property. The purpose of the easement is to prevent uses of the property that would cause soil erosion or destroy wildlife habitat. The family may continue to use the land for camping, picnicking, fishing, bird-watching, hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and may maintain existing trails.

When asked about his hopes for the conservation easement, Carl is confident that the land will be preserved in its natural state. "The town has been developing this direction and there are houses encroaching on what was farmland. This (easement) creates a greenbelt between our home and the city."

Foundation President Mark Ackelson said, "We are pleased to be a partner in protecting this woodland into the future. By accepting the easement donation, we accept responsibility of guarding special aspects of the land - especially when Carl and Barbara someday choose to sell it or pass it on."

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is a member-supported, nonprofit organization protecting Iowa's land, water, and wildlife now and for future generations.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, director of communications, or call (515) 288-1846.

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