What are PFT s responsibilities for easements granted to it?
As the recipient of a conservation easement, PFT is responsible for guarding against violations of the easement s provisions. This is accomplished by periodically making monitoring visits to the property, and ensuring there is good communication with the landowner. The Pacific Forest Trust is always available to answer questions about the easement and works to resolve any potential conflicts early. If necessary, the grantee will take legal action to enforce the easement if it is violated, and to restore the property s conservation values if any are damaged. Because the easement is granted in perpetuity, these responsibilities are also perpetual, and represent a significant annual expense for the grantee. A property owner should make sure that the recipient organization has the staff and budget to monitor and enforce the terms of the easement. Land trusts such as PFT ask landowners who can afford it to make a charitable contribution to a Stewardship Endowment to fund this obligation.