What is a common requirement for a conservation easement?

A conservation easement is a legal agreement that restricts the type and amount of development that can occur on a piece of land to protect its conservation values. One of the key requirements for a conservation easement is that it must be recorded in public records. This is essential because recording the easement provides public notice of the restrictions placed on the property, ensuring that any future landowners or interested parties are aware of the easement. Recording also helps in enforcing the terms of the easement and protects the rights of the parties involved.

The other options present scenarios that are not standard requirements for all conservation easements. It's not mandatory for all landowners to have a conservation easement, nor is it necessary for every easement to require local government approval or to be created by a homeowners association. Each conservation easement may have different conditions based on the specific goals of the landowner and the land trust or organization involved, but the act of recording it is a universally applicable requirement.