Secret Beautiful Spaces

Our region has some pretty amazing views. It’s rare, however, to peer into others’ private properties, and the magical spaces they harbor, especially properties that are protected through conservation easements. Take a peek!

Over one hundred property owners have conserved their special spaces through a conservation easement with Otsego Land Trust. Thoughtful landowners play a significant role in ensuring that current and future generations can enjoy vibrant, successful, and healthy communities with good farmland, clean air, abundant water, and a high degree of climate resiliency.

Protect Scenic Views

A conservation easement is a way for private property owners to protect the land while still retaining ownership. An easement is a legal document attached to a property’s deed and stays with the deed no matter who owns it in the future.

The easement has language that helps keep the land as is, especially restricting future activities that may have a negative effect on forests, wetlands, farms, scenic vistas, and open spaces. Otsego Land Trust works with the owners to monitor the easements annually and to enforce them if necessary.