Ozark Regional Land Trust

The way land is protected falls into two primary methods which are flexible enough to accommodate a variety of situations:

1. Nature Preserves - Preserves are properties held directly by ORLT for long term protection and management. Preserves usually have limited uses other than protecting and managing the natural features on the land. Preserves have often been donated by landowners who want their land protected due to very special or unusual natural features that deserve careful management.

A conservation easement is a legal means by which a landowner can voluntarily set permanent limitations on the future use of the land, thus protecting the land's natural qualities. Through an easement, the owner conveys to ORLT the right to prevent certain uses of the land in the future or to use it for specific purposes. The land remains in private ownershisell, lease or convey the land subject to the explicit terms of the easement. The responsibilities and rewards of ownership continue, and, the landowner retains full control over public access.