Benjamin and Lois Wolkowitz, residents of Dellwood Road in Madison recently donated a conservation easement on a portion of their property to the Great Swamp Watershed Association. The easement will ensure that most of the property will be preserved in its natural condition.

"We applaud their decision to protect this heavily wooded property," says Julia Somers, Executive Director of the Watershed Association. "A conservation easement was recently placed on 1.35 acres of the 2.56 acre Dellwood Road property," she continued, which has conservation and historical value due to two large dells or kettle holes, which were formed by the Wisconsin Glacier thousands of years ago.

This is an important milestone for the borough of Madison and the surrounding watershed because it serves to protect a piece of property that would have otherwise been eligible for subdivision. Since a conservation easement is recorded by deed and becomes part of the property, the land will be protected from development and subdivision forever.

The Watershed Association, as part of its educational efforts, has been encouraging people to consider placing conservation easements on their property to preserve them in their natural state. Conservation easements can be deeded to the Watershed Association, municipalities, or private land trusts. An easement typically restricts both current and future owners from subdivision, preserving the existing vegetation and general character of the site. The value of the property on which a conservation easement is placed may be eligible for federal and state tax deductions and it may also be used to reduce property taxes. Property owners should consult with their tax advisor before making a donation.

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