Conservation Easement Assistance Program

News and Announcements

In April 2024, the Board of Supervisors approved changed to the Conservation Easement Assistance Program. Read details in this news release:

About the Program

The Conservation Easement Assistance Program provides financial assistance to Loudoun County landowners in placing their property under a conservation easement. A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement in which a landowner retains ownership, use, and enjoyment of their property while they convey certain rights to a qualified land trust to protect farms, forested areas, historic sites, and natural resources.

The assistance program reimburses up to $25,000 in qualifying expenses. County landowners work with a qualified land trust in placing their property under a conservation easement. The land trust submits an application to the assistance program on the landowner’s behalf.

If you are interested in learning more about placing your land in a conservation easement, you may contact one of the following land trusts:

Qualifying Expenses

The assistance program reimburses up to $25,000 for qualified expenses including:

  • Attorney’s fees
  • Land appraisal and survey fees
  • Processing and document fees
  • Stewardship costs

Loudoun County offers guidance for invoices for qualifying expenses (PDF).

Application Periods

  • The online application process is available on a rolling basis throughout the year. A land trust can apply for the program on behalf of a landowner at any time.
  • A total of $150,000 in funding will be available annually and will be distributed to applicants who meet the assistance program criteria.
  • Funds will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • The application form and accompanying documentation will be accepted from land trusts any time throughout the year.

Questions?

  1. Eligibility Requirements
  2. How to Apply
  3. Award Process

Landowner Requirements

A landowner must:

  • have an adjusted gross income (AGI) less than or equal to $500,000. If the property is owned by more than one person, the income of each owner must be below the limit.
  • own land in Loudoun County that also meets the assistance program’s requirements (see below).
  • work with a qualified land trust.

Limited Liability Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, General Partnerships and Land Trusts

If the property is owned by a family Limited Liability Company (LLC), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Limited Partnership (LP), General Partnership (GP) or a family trust, as defined by the assistance program, the following applies:

  • All beneficiaries of the family trust or members of the LLC,LLP, LP, GP as applicable, must be "natural persons" (living, individual human beings) and be related by blood, adoption or marriage.
  • The adjusted gross income of each member or beneficiary, as applicable, must be less than or equal to $500,000. However, the highest adjusted income of one member/beneficiary shall be excluded.

Applicants must provide verification of income eligibility to qualify for the assistance program.

Land Requirements

The property:

Land Trust Requirements

Landowners must be working with a qualifying land trust to be eligible.

The land trust:

  • must be the conservation easement “Holder” as defined by Virginia Code § 10.1-1009 et seq. 
  • must apply to the Conservation Easement Assistance Program on behalf of the landowners (individual landowners cannot submit applications).
  • may be located anywhere (the land must be located in Loudoun County). 

Note: A conservation easement may result in certain tax benefits. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting professional to understand any tax implications.