shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com February 2, 2016 • Page 3 Understanding Conservation Easements Conservation easements are a common, yet often misunderstood, real estate transaction tool. In writing this column, it’s my intent to provide factual information regarding the rules and regulations that govern the use of conservation easements in South Dakota. SDSU Extension takes no formal position on conservation easements; rather our goal is to provide the reader with verifiable, fact based information regarding conservation easements in South Dakota. South Dakota Law on Conservation Easements Conservation easements in South Dakota are generally defined and regulated by SD Codified Law 1-19B-56 through 1-19B-60. Within state law, conservation easements are defined as a “nonpossessory interest of a holder in real property imposing limitations or affirming obligations the purposes of which include retaining or protecting natural or open-space values of real property, assuring its availability for agricultural, forest, recreational, or openspace use, protecting natural resources, maintaining or enhancing air or water quality, or preserving the historical, architectural, archaeological, paleontological or cultural aspects of real property...” In plain language, conservation easements are “created when a landowner grants all or portions of his or her property to a grantee (holder) for conservation purposes” The holder of the easement can be either a government body empowered to hold an interest in real property or a charitable corporation, charitable association or charitable trust.... of which also holds the right to enforcement. The holder may also have the right to transfer its rights of enforcement to another entity. Establishment of Conservation Easements Conservation easements are established under a voluntary agreement between the landowner and the entity holding the easement. Easements are conveyed either by sale or donation, and can be eligible for various tax incentives. Conservation easements have been utilized in South Dakota since the 1930’s. According to the South Dakota Legislative Research Council, the authority for a landowner to convey a conservation easement to a qualified entity is a “well established property transaction mechanism that plays a fundamental role in the real estate industry” as well as “a traditional real property tool that allows a landowner to specify how he will handle his property.” The document also addresses the inherent constitutional rights associated with ownership of private property and the authority to voluntarily make decisions regarding property, stating that “any attempt to restrict how an individual handles his property could be considered...a violation of constitutional rights.” Conservation easements are tied to the land and the terms of such can be: 1. Recorded directly in a deed; 2. Recorded as a reference in a deed to a supporting easement document; or 3. Recorded as a standalone easement document. Conservation easements do not limit a landowner’s ability to sell, mortgage or transfer their property at any time, but the conservation easement is attached to the title of the property. Terms of Conservation Easements The terms and conditions of a conservation easement are not restricted and are subject to the mutual agreement of the grantor (the landowner) and the grantee (holder). The terms of conservation easements can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual. Since conservation easements are voluntary a landowner or the qualified grantee can decline entering into the agreement if he/she is not satisfied with the terms governing use, longevity, compensation, monitoring, or other factors. Generally, conservation easements are categorized as ‘negative easements.’ Legally, the term negative is used because a landowner who enters into a conservation easement voluntarily restricts, prohibits or otherwise ‘negates’ certain uses or management actions in order to preserve certain characteristics of the land that are in the interest of the holder. Examples of conservation easements in South Dakota can range from protection of cultural resources to restrictions on urban development of farmland to protection of certain wildlife habitats. Longevity In 2004, South Dakota’s conservation easement law was clarified by adding language stating, “The term of the conservation easement shall be established by the parties to the easement.” There are no restrictions regarding the minimum or maximum number of years for a conservation easement in South Dakota. However, easement programs are often fairly structured holders may only offer certain options regarding longevity. Some government agencies offer 30-year options while other agencies and non-government organizations (NGO’s) focus their conservation easement programs on perpetual (forever) conservation easements. Tax Incentives Under certain circumstances, grantors of conservation easements are eligible for significant federal tax incentives. Section 170(h) of the federal Internal Revenue Service Tax Code requires a conservation easement to be donated and perpetual for the landowner to receive federal income tax benefits. In addition to income tax incentives, perpetual easements are also eligible for certain estate tax considerations. The federal tax code is complex. Landowners interested in income tax and estate planning implications should consult with appropriate legal and financial advisors. Access to Private Land under Conservation Easements FEBRUARY SALE Waterproof/Slip Resistant Ladies Boots Boston Shoes to Boots 312 W. 3rd • Yankton • 665-9092 Be Ready. Be Certain. Buy Certified. As stated previously, terms of conservation easements are negotiated between the interested parties. Public access, while certainly allowable if the both parties agree, is not required by state or federal law and is not an inherent component of a conservation easement. However, the easement holder may require certain access rights for its employees or agents for monitoring easement compliance. Landowners should be proactive in understanding the terms and conditions of access related to the needs of the easement holder. Easement Responsibilities and Ethics In their 2004 memorandum, the South Dakota Legislative Research Council suggested that landowners considering a conservation easement should consult with family, professional advisors and representatives from the agency or NGO involved. Appropriate due diligence and open communication during the conservation easement establishment period and during any subsequent transfers of property encumbered by conservation easements will ensure full disclosure of pertinent landowner management responsibilities and holder authority to the next generation of landowners. Resources There are a great many resources for landowners to research. A short internet search will yield many examples offered by various organizations involved in conservation easements. niGrow 2016 Western National Roundup Cutline Pic 1 - Front (L-R): Aimee Ellinger (SDSU); Sarah Hamner (SDSU); Kara Tesch (Codington); Coach Kaitlyn Ringgenberg (Brown); Sarah Vos (Pennington); Coach Kristen Gonsoir (Brown); Coach Molly Ringgenberg (Brown); Coach Falyn Hogg (SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor); Coach Jodi Loehrer (SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor). Middle (L-R): Julie Nelson (Roberts); Grace Stein (Codington); Molly Walker (Codington); Sara Thyen (Codington); Morgan Janisch (Roberts); Sierra Goergen (Beadle); Valerie Moen (Roberts); Kendra Currence (Roberts); Shaye Jungwirth (Potter); Alexa Montagne (Union); Coach Bailey Ringgenberg (SDSU). Back (L-R): Wyatt Stevens (Jerauld); Kyler Johnson (Minnehaha); Megan Malsam (Brown); Marissa Woodring (Spink); Coach John Keimig (SDSU Extension 4-H Associate); Joellen Gonsoir (Brown); Cooper Gordon (Spink); Derek Peterson (Roberts); Trey Wright (Brown). BROOKINGS, S.D. - Twenty South Dakota 4-H youth joined the more than 1,000 youth from more than 32 states including Alberta, Canada who attended the Western National Roundup January 7-10, 2016 in Denver, Colo. The Conference, now in its 96th year, is held annually in early January in conjunction with the National Western Stock Show. This year’s theme of “Mission ImPossible” was aimed at leaving participants with the confidence that they have the opportunity to create unique experiences and thrive in their self-defined future through 4-H and FFA. Both 4-H and FFA members between the ages of 14 and 19 have the opportunity to qualify for Roundup by winning their home state’s contest or being chosen as a state delegate. The competitions held at Western National Roundup include horse and livestock judging, livestock quiz bowl, hippology, horse demonstrations and public speaking, parliamentary procedure, family consumer sciences presentations, skill-a-thon, and bowl, consumer decision making, public speaking prepared and impromptu, parliamentary procedure, and meats identification. Workshops are offered throughout the week which provides a learning experience for the youth exposing them to topics ranging from communication and team building n Roundup, to leadership development. 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