In Virginia, easements can be donated to a number of public and private entities. The vast majority of conservation easements are donated to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF), a state agency established by the Virginia General Assembly to hold easements in public trust. In special cases, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and the National Park Service may also accept easements. Additionally, easements can be held by certain qualified non-profit conservation organizations. While PEC can legally accept and hold easements, we strongly urge landowners to donate their easements to VOF, as state-held easements offer a greater level of protection than easements held by private organizations. PEC does, however, work closely with landowners to help them evaluate their decision to donate.