Conservation Options

A conservation easement is the use of a private property right to create a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a land trust that establishes certain restrictions on land in perpetuity while protecting natural features such as wildlife habitats, scenic views, open spaces and working farms.

Deciding the future of your land will be satisfying to you and your family and may be financial beneficial. Drumlin Area Land Trust works with landowners to tailor a conservation easement to protect the agricultural and natural values of your property, satisfy your personal needs and give you peace of mind that the land is protected from future development. 

Drumlin Area Land Trust takes the responsibility and legal right to monitor and enforce the easement. The landowner is bound by the terms of the conservation easement. The conservation easement is a recorded deed that is part of the title to the land. We may require a financial commitment with every conservation easement. 

Choosing the right option for you will ensure you have peace of mind for many years to come.

TAX INCOME BENEFIT

A donated conservation easement can provide estate and income tax deductions. If a donated conservation easement meets federal tax code requirements, the value of the easement can be treated as a charitable gift and deducted from federal income tax following the IRS guidelines for a “qualified conservation contribution”. Drumlin Area Land Trust advises potential donors and their families to work with their attorney, accountant or financial advisor.

BEQUESTS 

One of the many options is the right to pass your land by bequest in a will. The bequest does not affect your use of your land during your lifetime. Finding the right heir whose philosophy of land preservation is similar to yours can be difficult. Drumlin Area Land Trust will protect your land with a conservation easement with your mission in mind. A bequest can be changed if you find an heir you would trust to protect your land. A bequest does not offer you financial advantages during your lifetime. But, if you have a large estate, a bequest to a conservation organization might reduce your estate taxes. 

LAND DONATION

You can donate your land to Drumlin Area Land Trust outright. We will protect your land with a conservation easement and convey it to an appropriate conservation minded owner. The full market value of land donated to Drumlin Area Land Trust (a non-profit) is tax deductible as a charitable gift.

BARGAIN SALE

In a bargain sale, you sell your land to a Drumlin Area Land Trust for less than its fair market value. This not only makes it more affordable for the land trust, but offers several benefits to you: it provides cash, avoids some capital gains tax, and entitles you to a charitable income tax deduction based on the difference between the land’s fair market value and its sale price.