Interested in Donating an Easement?
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What is a Conservation Easement:
A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement between a landowner and a land trust, government entity, or a tribe to protect certain resources into perpetuity. If the property is sold or passed on to heirs, the conservation easement follows the property. This ensures the conservation of resources for future generations. Conservation easements can provide public benefits in the way of scenic views, improved water quality, wildlife habitat, historic preservation, public access, and much more!
When a landowner donates an easement, certain rights to natural resources are given up in efforts to conserve said resources. The conservation values of an easement can range from wildlife habitat to farmland to public access. The terms of an easement are specific to the property and its resources. Generally easements limit future development and invasive activities such as mining operations etc.
Tax Incentives for Landowners
-Conservation easements can offer landowners tax deductions of 50% of their income for 15 years.
-In some places, a conservation easement may reduce property tax.
-Conservation easements allow families to inherit land in its entirety by lowering estate taxes and avoiding subdivision.
Learn more about conservation easement tax incentives here:
Income Tax Incentives for Land Conservation
Estate Tax Incentives for Land Conservation
The Relationship Between the Landowner and the Land Trust
When a conservation easement is donated, the landowner typically retains most of their rights to the land with limitations outlined in the deed of conservation easement. The land trust is responsible for monitoring the property to ensure that the terms of the easement are upheld. In some conservation easements, the landowner contributes to a stewardship fund for the land trust to maintain and manage the easement. For example, TCLT uses such funds to manage invasive species on private easements or trail maintenance on public access easements.
Want to Learn More? Here are Some Great Resources:
Land Trust Alliance: Frequently Asked Questions
Land Trust Alliance Resource Center
California Council of Land Trusts
National Conservation Easement Database
California Rangeland Trust: Frequently Asked Questions
Notable TCLT Easements
Parker Creek Trail
Public access easement connects downtown Trinidad to Old Home Beach
Martin Creek Trail
Public access easement to Secret Beach off Stagecoach Rd.
Public access easement to Secret Beach off Stagecoach Rd.
Ruprecht Ranch
Private easement protecting second growth redwoods and riparian areas. This easement is made up of a forest preserve zone, forest management zone, and pasture zone.
Private easement protecting second growth redwoods and riparian areas. This easement is made up of a forest preserve zone, forest management zone, and pasture zone.
