What to Do if You’re Considering Conservation

If you are interested in conserving your land, answering the following questions should help you begin to develop a plan for meeting your needs:

• What are your long-term goals for your property? What would you like it to look like in fifty years?
• What is your level of commitment to conservation?
• Do you want or need to retain ownership?
• Do you or a family member want to live on the property?
• What will happen to the land when you die?  Will your heirs be able to keep it?  Will your wishes for the land be fulfilled?
• What are your financial goals and obligations?

What should you do next?

• If appropriate, talk to your family about their hopes for the land.
• Talk with your legal and financial advisors about your specific situation.  You should make decisions affecting the ownership and use of your property only after careful consideration and professional consultation.
• Read further.  There are several books and publications that discuss easements and other conservation tools.  
• Contact a land trust such as the Lake Placid Land Conservancy.