Anyone have experience with land conservation easements or farms?

[Charles Worth]

As someone with a full-time job and W2 income in a very high tax state I have been looking at ways to maximize my tax deductions. As part of this strategy it was suggested I look into land conservation easements. However, I have had trouble finding companies that seem to specialize in offering out of state investors these type of properties (hard to find good properties for this in NYC for sure) especially with some type of property management. Another alternative would be a syndicator in this area but again I have not really been able to find much here or elsewhere. 

Has anyone here utilized easements? If so, what was your experience?  Has anyone done it from out of state where they actually own large plots of land or farm land as both an investment and for easements? Any experiences or referrals would be appreciated. 

Kudos to @Brandon Hall for the suggestion to look into easements, always has good suggestions for us RE investors.