Since 2000, NRLT has permanently protected over 60,000 acres of forest, coastal wetlands, oak woodlands, and range through conservation easements and acquisitions. This is only possible through partnerships with private landowners who seek to conserve their land and its special conservation values. As a nonprofit land trust, we are legally qualified to hold conservation easements and accept gifts of land and tax-deductible donations. We also provide contract services such as mapping, grant application development, and facilitation of habitat restoration projects.
Possible conservation pathways for property owners:
A conservation easement is a voluntary, legal agreement that permanently protects a property’s agricultural land, wildlife habitat, forests, and other conservation values. NRLT works with a variety of funding partners, including state and federal agencies and private foundations, to fund some conservation easements on private lands. To be eligible for funding, a property needs to encompass the values a funding agency is interested in protecting. Each agency has their own funding priorities, and we will work to identify the best match for each project.
Donating a conservation easement is a way to leave a legacy of land conservation by ensuring a property stays whole, forever. If a conservation easement is voluntarily donated to a land trust (or government agency), and if it benefits the public by protecting important conservation values, it can qualify as a charitable tax deduction. This can even apply to transactions where only a portion of the value is donated. Regardless of the tax benefits, donated easements are an excellent way to conserve properties of all sizes.
It can be particularly impactful when a landowner chooses to donate their property to NRLT. Gifts of land can happen as a donation during the property owner’s lifetime or as a bequest to the organization upon their passing. If a landowner is interested in ensuring their land is conserved, they can enter into an agreement with the Land Trust detailing the terms of the property’s stewardship should it continue to be owned by NRLT, or the terms of a conservation easement that NRLT will complete if the property is ever. In cases where a previously donated property is sold by NRLT, whether it has a conservation easement on it or not, the proceeds from the sale provide critical support in completing other land conservation projects.
What is a Conservation Easement?
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and an entity such as a land trust that permanently protects special features of a property such as farming, ranching and forest production, open space, scenic vistas and wildlife habitat. Each easement’s terms are tailored to the property, landowner and funding agency needs. Once completed, conservation easements become part of the property title and the land trust ensures that the terms of the easements are honored by present and future landowners. The property remains in private ownership and can be sold, leased, or passed on to heirs.
Want to learn more?
The Guide for Landowners is a great resource for private landowners interested in conserving their land or learning more about conservation easements.
Get started by filling out our Project Questionnaire
Our staff are always happy to explore land conservation options with interested landowners and we welcome you to call the Northcoast Regional Land Trust office at (707) 822-2242 for more information.