A. The department may acquire conservation or agricultural easements and hold them in the name of the state.

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B. When approving a conservation project that is the acquisition of a conservation or agricultural easement by a conservation entity, the department shall require the conservation entity to:

(1)     acquire no less than ten percent of the easement, and title to the easement shall be held by the conservation entity and a qualified entity as cotenants having undivided interests in proportion to each one’s share of the acquisition; and

(2)     submit a plan for the management of lands for which the conservation entity and the qualified entity are responsible. The department, in consultation with the committee, shall review the plan to ensure compliance with the purposes of the Natural Heritage Conservation Act.

C. When approving a conservation project that is for land restoration by a conservation entity, the department shall require that the conservation entity provide at least ten percent of the cost of the conservation project.