What is a Conservation Easement?
A conservation easement is a contract signed by the landowner and a preserve manager that is filed with the County Assessor. The easement assures that the preserve area will be retained forever in a specific condition, such as open space, and prevents any use of the preserve that would impair or interfere with the conservation values of the preserve. A conservation easement is legally binding in perpetuity regardless of whether the property is sold.
Created Habitat within a Conservation Easement.
Development projects and public works are often proposed within areas containing sensitive habitats including ephemeral and intermittent streams, riparian corridors, and oak wooklands. It is always preferable to avoid such sensitive resources when siting public works and development projects, or provide on-site mitigation within the footprint of the project when avoidance is not possible. Nonetheless, development and public works projects occasionally result in habitat loss or degradation requiring off-site mitigation.
Sulfur Creek Wetland Creation Site, east view
Protecting a Conservation area. What you can do to help.
• A fence around the preserve is meant to protect the endangered plants and animals that live there from being stepped on and damaged, so please do not enter the preserve.
• The wet swale and vernal pool are especially sensitive, so nothing should be disturbed or removed that could effect the ecological balance. Please do not take any vegetation out of the preserve.
• Help prevent litter from blowing into the preserve by disposing of litter in proper trash receptacles.
• Vegetation in the preserve is very sensitive to residential runoff from yards and driveways, so please try to keep oil, herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaners out of the preserve.
What is an Open Space Preserve?
An open space preserve is an area that will not be developed and the natural resources are protected by a conservation easement in perpetuity. Preserves are areas important for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of special interest, such as wetlands and vernal pools. Vegetation in preserves often includes threatened and endangered grasses, plants and animals.