1.   A conservation easement can be sold or donated, with a tax break based on its value.

2.   At the same time, skeptics question the ability of local land trusts to protect the land and the equity of conservation easements.

3.   - Acquiring conservation easements.

4.   Conservation easements like those used at Ardrossen are legal agreements in which a landowner gives up a right, like the right to fully develop the land.

5.   Conservation easements, however, are being promoted by all environmental organizations as an innovative and cost-effective means of preserving open space.

6.   Conservation easements, which retain ownership rights, are voluntary agreements between a landowner and a conservation organization or governmental agency to permanently restrict the use of land.

7.   Collazo said he is negotiating with another large ranch in the upper reaches of the Verde River for a conservation easement.

8.   Conservation easements are used to protect habitat on private land, and landowners are encouraged to restore habitat in urban and rural areas.

9.   Cordasco said the Babbitt family is considering conservation easements on the remainder of its land in northern Arizona.