About
Why this source matters.
Hill Country Conservancy works with private landowners across 17 counties to protect water, wildlife habitat, and working lands through voluntary conservation easements. An easement is a permanent restriction you place on your land that protects ecological value while letting you retain ownership and (often) operate ranching or agriculture. Significant tax benefits attach to qualifying easements.
If a Noon client has > 50 acres of Hill Country land with significant income, we open the conversation about HCC. Easements aren't for everyone, but when they fit, they're transformative.
How to use them
Conservation easements are not a fit for every property — they're permanent, they affect inheritance and resale, and the tax benefit only matters if you have significant income or estate tax exposure. But for working ranches and rural properties with springs, sensitive recharge features, or historic value, they're often the single most valuable estate planning tool. HCC's staff will have a no-obligation initial conversation with any qualifying landowner.
Specialties
What they're known for.
- Conservation easements (permanent)
- Watershed protection (Edwards recharge zone focus)
- Working lands preservation
- Tax-advantaged charitable giving
- Public trails (a small number)
Products & services
- Easement consultation (free initial)
- Annual State of the Hill Country report
- Educational publications
Pricing
Easement appraisal + closing costs vary. Significant federal tax deduction available for qualifying donations.