Q: Who is the Land Trust?
We are a nonprofit organization, comprised of local financial experts, tax attorneys, environmental professionals, land owners, and area residents who want to protect valuable land, both natural and agricultural. We are not a government organization. Instead, we work cooperatively with local governments, land owners, and other such agencies as needed.
Q: How do you protect natural areas and agricultural lands?
Sometimes land owners donate their land to us outright. More frequently, land owners sign an agreement with us that their land will not be developed, but they will continue to own it. They can still use it in other ways, like farming or hunting. We agree, then, to monitor the land yearly to be sure their wishes are followed.
Q: Why would land owners want to have conservation agreements with you?
1st reason: They love their land-their woods, their farm land-and they want to know that after they are gone, their land will stay natural. They want to leave a legacy for themselves and their family.
2nd reason: They may be able to save on income taxes or estate taxes. If the land is used for agriculture, there are even greater tax benefits.
Q: What kind of tax benefits exist for conservation agreements?
If land owners have forest or other non farm land, it is expected that
they will be able to write off 50% of their adjusted grow income against
difference in the value of the property if it is developed, and what it
is valued if left natural. If it is to remain farmed land, they are
expected to be able to still be able to write off 100% off their
adjusted grow income. If they want to restore the land to increase the
value, there are additional benefits.
Q: How do you gauge your success?
We have seven core objectives:
1. Preserve streamside corridors and other buffer zones and natural areas for habitat protection, water quality improvement, scenic views, wilderness and rural character.
2. Protect valuable wildlife habitats, focusing on the most critical needs.
3. Conserve agricultural and green space to promote water quality, wildlife habitat, and natural and cultural heritage.
4. Build a coalition of partners (landowners, community groups, municipal officials as well as local, state and federal agencies to achieve the mission and vision.
5. Promote stewardship and conservation of natural areas through education and research opportunities.
6. Support responsible eco-tourism, recreational opportunities, and other compatible land uses.
7. Build and maintain a strong organization and instil public confidence through the development of a committed board, strategic plan, and policies and procedures.