Perpetual Restrictions on Land and the Problem of the Future

43 Pages Posted: 21 Nov 2001

See all articles by Julia D. Mahoney

Julia D. Mahoney

University of Virginia School of Law

Date Written: December 2001

Abstract

Support for land preservation is in large part rooted in the conviction that present generations have an obligation to benefit future generations by affording them the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate environmentally sensitive lands. The recent emergence of perpetual restrictions on land use as a popular conservation strategy, however, means that land preservation often involves the deliberate attempt to restrict the options available to future generations. Commonly known as conservation easements, these perpetual restrictions are designed to limit or prohibit the development of land, thereby preventing those who come after us from making their own decisions regarding both land preservation in general and the value of particular parcels. This paper explores the tension between preserving nature and ensuring that future generations have sufficient flexibility to respond to advances in scientific knowledge and changes in cultural values.

Suggested Citation

Mahoney, Julia D., Perpetual Restrictions on Land and the Problem of the Future (December 2001). UVA Law & Economics Research Paper No. 01-6 and UVA School of Law, Public Law Research Paper No. 01-11, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=291537 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.291537

Julia D. Mahoney (Contact Author)

University of Virginia School of Law ( email )

580 Massie Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
United States
434-924-3942 (Phone)

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