The Frederick County Conservation Easement Authority wants to help county residents save their land from future development.

That's why they're holding a special meeting Monday night for landowners interested in learning more about conservation easements and the potential benefits associated with permanently protecting rural land.

Diane Kearns, chairman of the county's conservation easement authority, explained, "Basically, it's the only way to ensure that land will be protected for future generations. There are deed covenants, and things like that, but nothing is as sure as a conservation easement, because basically it's a legal document."

Leaders say more than 12,000 acres of land are protected through easements. The meeting kicks off Monday night starting with a barbeque dinner at 6 PM followed by the presentation to be held at the Mid-Atlantic
Farm Credit Winchester Conference Center.

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