Our conversations with Tyler Hinkle, Shenandoah County's Planner are part of an ongoing series following the work on Shenandoah 2045 - Shenandoah County's comprehensive plan. The planning process will unfold over the course of four years with the majority of the community collaboration occurring from 2020-2022, with input in 2023-2024.

We took a break from our normal deep dive into the comprehensive planning process and talked instead about conservation easements. Joining us for that conversation was McKenzie Allen, an associate planner with Shenandoah County, and E.C. Myers from Conservation Partners.

E.C. explained conservation easements, their benefits, and the process of creating one. A conservation easement is an agreement that limits the future use of a property to protect it from inappropriate development while still allowing the landowner to retain private ownership rights. We discussed the financial and environmental benefits of conservation easements, including tax credits and estate tax reductions. Our conversation also highlighted the flexibility and customization options for easements, as well as the importance of working with local easement authorities.

Learn more about Conservation Partners on their website: https://www.conservationpartnersllc.com/ or reach out to E.C. via phone at 540-464-1899 or email [email protected] 

Learn more about Shenandoah County conservation easements on their website: https://shenandoahcountyva.us/conservation/ 

You can view the comprehensive plan draft in various forms, and learn more about the planning process, on their website: https://shenandoahcountyva.us/future/ and follow them on Facebook.

You can listen to previous conversations with Tyler about Shenandoah 2045 by clicking here.