In this book, the authors explain:

·        How water rights can be used to meet conservation purposes.

·        What a thorough due diligence investigation of water rights should include.

·        Who the principal water agencies are in the state.

·        Federal and state tax requirements for conservation easements.

·        How water right priorities are determined.

·        The practical application of the prior appropriation doctrine.

·        The types of water rights that are available.

·        What issues to consider when including only a portion of the water rights in a conservation easement.

·        Different valuation methods used by water rights appraisers.

·        Important model language to include in a conservation easement.

·        Allowable restrictions that can be placed on water rights in a conservation easement.

·        How to proceed with various documents at closing.

·        The ongoing stewardship responsibilities required to retain the conservation easement.

·        How to qualify a donated conservation easement for a tax deduction.

·        Tax concerns for the landowner and conservation organization, including potential penalties.

Funded by Great Outdoors Colorado.

Co-published with the Colorado Water Trust.