Writing to us commits you to a walk, and to nothing else.

1. Within a fortnight

   A walk

   Two of us come out, you show us the land, and nobody brings a document. Most first visits end without conservation being mentioned much at all.

2. Months one to twelve

   You think about it

   This is the longest step and it should be. Talk to your accountant, your children, and anyone who might inherit. We will answer questions and otherwise leave you alone.

3. If you decide to go on

   Survey, appraisal, draft

   A surveyor establishes the boundary, an independent appraiser values what is being given up, and we draft the terms — including the building envelope you reserve.

4. Two to four months later

   Signing and recording

   Your attorney reviews it, you sign, it is recorded at the town clerk's office, and it becomes permanent. Your first monitoring letter arrives the following April.

Two to three years from first letter to recorded easement is normal here, and the households who move fastest are usually the ones who regret it. There is no queue and nothing expires.