HR1889: HR1889 Termed and perpetual conservation easements; important tools for promoting conservation practices; express support

26 LC 112 4040 House Resolution 1889 By: Representatives Cannon of the 172nd, Corbett of the 174th, Ford of the 170th, Dickey of the 134th, Howard of the 71st, and others A RESOLUTION Expressing support for termed and perpetual conservation easements; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, conservation easements provide important wildlife habi tats on our nation's2 private lands, supporting opportunities for hunters by increasing available habitats for iconic3 game species while providing many other environmental benefits; and4 WHEREAS, conservation easements are a completely voluntary, fre e-market,5 incentive-based contract—the terms of which are agreed upon by the landowner—for the6 conservation of natural, agricultural, and historical resources on private land; and7 WHEREAS, conservation easements protect private property rights and enable landowners8 to monetize the environmental and habitat values of their land; and9 WHEREAS, perpetual easements ensure that conservation values are managed forever while10 providing landowners with clearly defined assurances through written easement contracts;11 and12 H. R. 1889 - 1 - 26 LC 112 4040 WHEREAS, conservation easements enable agricultural producers to maintain and expand13 their operations and pass their land on to their heirs, if they so choose, while benefitting rural14 economies by keeping private land in agricultural production; and15 WHEREAS, conservation easements provide capital that enables la ndowners to grow or16 maintain agricultural operations or reinvest in the landscape.17 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that18 the members of this body express their support for termed and p erpetual conservation19 easements as important tools for promoting conservation practic es on private lands while20 rewarding landowners for their voluntary participation.21 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized22 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the23 public and the press.24 H. R. 1889 - 2 -