A New Kind of Easement

n January 2005 the RVLT finalized a conservation easement on 32 acres that is part of the preserved open space of the Bonner Hills development on Rogers Highway, in the southeast corner of Tecumseh. This will be the first project implemented under the City’s new zoning classification of Environmental Residential Community since it went into effect in November 2001. The ordinance requires the open space to be preserved in perpetuity through a conservation easement. The RVLT has accepted that responsibility and will work cooperatively with the condominium association and any future owners to make sure the terms of the easement are observed.

The RVLT believes this easement will protect significant habitat from being impacted by the surrounding development. We also hope that future residents of Bonner Hills will help us put into practice our goal of including land stewardship in all of our easements. The woods and wetlands support many native plant and animal species, but some of this area has been overgrown with non-native shrubs and herbaceous plants that degrade the quality of the habitat for native flora and fauna. The RVLT would like to see this habitat restored, and is committed to working with area residents to maximize its potential for supporting a diverse and healthy habitat.

The only development that will be allowed on the easement property will be a trail on the upland areas to allow Bonner Hills residents to get out and enjoy the outdoors — including the trees, shrubs, wildflowers, insects, birds, amphibians and mammals that will be part of their own backyard.

The RVLT is excited about this opportunity and looks forward to working with the City and future residents to make Bonner Hills an example of how appropriate development can be managed to protect the environment to the greatest extent possible.

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