Land
Protection Options
How is the land protected?
Land trusts often
protect land by accepting gifts of land or conservation easements. Land also may
be purchased, but most land trusts have limited financial resources.
Why do landowners donate
land or conservation easements to a conservancy?
Land is given to
a conservancy for many reasons. Most landowners wish to protect the land that
they have loved and cherished, and want it to remain protected in the future.
Donations of land or easements to a charitable organization also may provide substantial
tax benefits.
What is a conservation
easement?
A conservation
easement allows you to permanently protect the natural and scenic resources of
your land while retaining ownership and control. An easement is a legal agreement
between a landowner and a conservancy, tailored to fit your property and your
conservation needs. An easement legally binds all present and future owners, and
is recorded in the Register of Deeds office. No public access is required, and
you retain ownership with the right to control and manage the property within
the guidelines of the conservation easement. Easements may also provide landowners
with significant tax savings.
How can I receive
more information?
Contact a land
trust or conservancy in your community. The staff or board will work closely with
you, explaining your options. Most land trusts have literature available that
will explain a landowner's options. They may also be able to refer you to attorneys,
appraisers, and land planners that can assit you in your planning.
Conservation
Options, A Landowner's Guide explains in detail how to protect your land
for future generations. This 64 page booklet may be available through your local
land trust. If not, it is available for $7.50 plus $3.00 shipping from the Land
Trust Alliance, 1331 H Street NW, Suite 400, Washongton, D.C. 20005-4711. Phone
# 202-638-4725.