Photo: Jane Davis
Land Owner Conservation Options
By Maine Coast Heritage Trust in Cooperation with the Land Trust Alliance
Why donate my land?
By donating land for conservation, you can ensure that future generations are able to enjoy a place you have cherished.
You may want to donate your land if you:
Own highly appreciated property, the sale of which would result in a high capital gains tax
Own substantial real estate holdings and wish to reduce property or estate tax burdens
Recognize that greater expertise is needed to protect and manage the land
Do not have heirs willing or able to protect the land’s conservation values
Why sell my land to a land trust?
There are several different options when you are looking to sell your land to a conservation organization:
1. Fair Market Value Sale
Selling land at a fair market value to a conservation organization is a possibility, but generally take a significant investment of time and energy by the organization to secure the funding to pay for it’s acquisition and stewardship.
2. Bargain Sale
When a property is conveyed at less than it’s fair market value. This helps increase the chance that a conservation organization can purchase the land. It is also a great way for the landowner to contribute to the project’s success.
3. Installment Sale
The seller agrees to accept a series of payments over time rather than one lump sum. This can benefit landowners by spreading income and taxable gains over several years and can help the purchasing organization by providing additional time to raise the needed funds.
Why make my land a conservation easement?
A conservation easement is a voluntary, legally binding agreement between a landowner and a land trust, state agency, or other qualified entity, through which certain rights to the property are permanently transferred. Most often, these agreements prohibit future development or types of development and the landowner retains ownership of the land and all rights not transferred through the easement.
You may want to put your land in a conservation easement if:
You want to help minimize family conflicts when the lands pass to the next generation
You want to reduce the property tax burden of your land
You want to continue to live on your property and own rights to it
You want to provide permanent protection of significant features, with restrictions applying to the current and all future landowners.
For more information about donating a conservation easement, please contact our office and staff!
Useful Links:
Publications:
From the Kennebec Woodland Partnership, Your Woodland, a guide for Kennebec County Land Owners
Resources from the Maine Land Trust Network, a program of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust:
Conservation Easements: An Introduction for Maine Landowners
Conservation Options: A Guide for Maine Landowners
The Public Benefits of Conserved Lands
For more information please visit: www.mltn.org, www.mcht.org