How is the value of the agricultural land conservation easement determined, and by whom?
An independent real estate appraiser must be selected and retained to determine the value of the agricultural conservation easement (PRC section 10260). The value of the proposed easement must be equal to, or greater than, the cancellation fee required if the Williamson Act contract cancellation is approved. The value of the easement is determined by subtracting the agricultural use value (the restricted value) of the property to be placed under the easement, from its unrestricted current fair market value.
