Land Protection Benefits

The two most widely use methods to protect land are:

1. Conservation easement

A conservation easement granted to the land conservancy gives up certain development or other rights to the land, but the owner retains title and the right to use the land consistent with the terms of the easement. The owner may sell the property or pass it on to their heirs, but the restrictions in the easement are binding on all future owners. An easement is a flexible document that can be tailored to protect the land’s conservation values and meet the financial and personal needs of the owner. Recent legislation makes the easement a very attractive tax reduction option when considering land conservation.

2. Donation of land

Donating land for conservation is one of the finest legacies a person can leave for future generations. If you choose to donate your land, the land conservancy can work with you to identify the best arrangements. Owners may specify certain restrictions on the property (for example, no public access ) or none other than to keep the property in its natural state in perpetuity. The full market value of the land donated to a nonprofit is tax deductible as a charitable gift.

There are other conservation methods that can be used like a bargain sale if you want to sell the land for less than fair market value.

All these can help reduce federal income and estate taxes.

Please see more information in the FAQs section