Orange County Environmental Protection Division (OCEPD) has recently revised their interpretation of the rules and regulations regarding conservation easements. A conservation easement is an environmentally sensitive area adjacent to a lake or other body of water. Please be aware that:

• A permit is required for any alteration or impact upon the conservation easement.
• OCEPD regulates conservation easement activity through permitting, patrolling, and site inspection.
• Generally, the conservation easement must
be replanted with a minimum of three different species.
• The permitting and restoration process for conservation easements are similar to lakefronts and the same basic rules apply in allowing non-native nuisance vegetation to removed and replaced with native plants and trees.

The agency looks favourably upon individuals with conservation easement issues who self report. If you get caught in violation, you will receive a written notice and may be fined. Do not touch your conservation easement before consulting us! If you have any questions about the conservation easement, our staff can assist you with the following:

• Determine the presence of a conservation easement.
• Take the necessary steps to get into compliance before or after a violation is issued.
• Answer any questions about your conservation easement.
• Obtain proper permitting for any activity conducted in the past or planned for the future.






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