“Conservation easements,” which protect areas of land from development, is a popular idea with many. But as real estate needs change, having such easements remain in perpetuity, as many do, can be problematic according to a new study by the group PERC. Comments study author Nick Parker: “IRS rules require that donated conservation easements be held in perpetuity, and that means forever. This requirement is inconsistent with centuries of common law, which tends to discourage perpetual restraints on land because freezing land use to a landowner’s present desire may cause serious problems over time as ecological and environmental conditions change. Reforming this aspect of conservation easements is extremely important.”