From: “THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT POLICIES OF THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST,” adopted November 7, 2005.

I. Size of Conservation Easement Properties

The Trust will give strong preference to acceptance of easements on larger parcels of land over those on smaller parcels. As a rule, the Trust will accept donations of easements only on parcels of 25 acres or more. The Trust may consider accepting an easement smaller than 25 acres only if one or more of the following criteria are met:

1. The property is contiguous to existing properties protected by their fee or easement ownership, or closely clustered with other protected parcels that make up a larger preservation area.

2. The easement would protect extraordinary resources, such as endangered or threatened species habitat, historic or archeological resources, wetlands, or riparian buffer.

3. There is substantial support for the proposed easement donation from local or state officials, environmental groups, legislators or citizens; or the proposed easement forms part of a major State conservation initiative such as the Rural Legacy or Greenprint programs.

4. The donation is proposed by the Maryland Historical Trust, in the case of a property that possesses extraordinary and documented historical significance.

5. The property forms part of a group of contiguous easement offers which will protect a significant, relatively pristine, and coherent historical or natural area.

No additional dwelling units will be allowed on parcels smaller than 25 acres accepted by the Trust, unless the property is unimproved, in which case a single dwelling unit may be permitted. However, the Board may waive density guidelines for existing residential structures if their expansion is limited by size restrictions. In the case of a group offer, the withdrawal of one or more parcels shall be cause for re-evaluation of the entire remaining group, and acceptance of the group offer may be contingent on the Trust’s receiving assistance in processing the easements from a local land trust.