Steps in Donating an Easement

• Contact the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District at (434) 975-0224.

• A staff person from the District visits you on your property to discuss easement options.

• The TJWRP Foundation Board of Directors considers preliminary approval of the proposed easement.

• If preliminary approval is granted, the staff person works with you and your attorney to create an easement that best suits your goals for the land.

• TJSWCD staff calculate a fee associated with the easement that covers set-up costs and monitoring in perpetuity. 

• The TJWRP Foundation Board of Directors and the TJSWCD Board of Directors consider final approval of the easement boundaries and provisions.

• Donation of the easement is complete when it is signed by the TJSWCD and the landowner and it is recorded in the Clerk’s office of the Circuit Court.

• If you wish to take advantage of one of the financial incentives available to those who make a charitable donation, you must obtain an appraisal for the value of the land under easement. 

Terms of the Deed of Easement

Each deed of easement is unique and reflects the interests of the landowner, but all TJSWCD easements cover several basic restrictions to protect the defined water resource area.  The District restricts

• Cutting of brush and vegetation in proximity to the water resource

• Allowable impervious surfaces - total square feet of roof and driveway

• Soil disturbances such as grading, mining or blasting

Landowners are required to give the TJSWCD a 60 day notification of sale or transfer of the land.

With due notification, inspections are made of the property to ensure that the terms of the easement are being kept.

Upon any breach or threatened potential breach of the agreement, the TJSWCD may, after reasonable notice to Grantor, take such action as the Grantee determines to be necessary or appropriate to enforce the covenants and restrictions set forth in this Easement.