Common Techniques

There are many ways to conserve your land.  Below is a list of some of the most commonly used conservation techniques.  Each has the potential to protect all or part of your land while meeting your financial and family goals.  Of course, it is important to consult your financial and legal advisors before you enter into any kind of conservation transaction.  You will want to pay particular attention to tax implications.  Most conservation projects will impact one or more of the three primary types of taxes income tax, estate tax, and property tax.

Conservation Easements

The most traditional tool for conserving private land, a conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values.  It allows landowners to continue to own and use their land, and they can also sell it or pass it on to heirs.  

Other Conservation Tools

• Outright Land Donation 
• Land Donation with a Retained Life Estate Interest
• Land Donation through Bequest or Living Gift
• Selling Land for Conservation  
• Bargain sale of land or easement