How Couderay Waters Can Help You Preserve Your Land
The Couderay Waters Regional Land Trust uses a variety of flexible tools to meet
the goals of individual landowners. Most of these offer income, estate, and
property tax benefits that help make conservation affordable.
These tools include:
- Conservation Easements
- Land Donations
- Bargain Sale or Bequest
Conservation Easement
This is a legal agreement between you (the landowner) and the trust that
protects your property by permanently limiting the way it can be used. You
retain ownership, use and enjoyment of the land protected by the Land Trust and do not have to open it to the public. You can sell the land or pass it on to heirs knowing that the natural resources
you value will be protected forever. The Land Trust is charged with the
responsibility of ensuring that the terms of the easement are carried out. Easements are unique to the site and to your wishes. For example, you might
choose to conserve the whole property or only some portion of it, or you might
reserve the right to build a building or other improvement on a portion of the conserved land.
Land Donation
You may give property to the trust by gift or will. The Land Trust assumes
responsibility for managing and protecting the land. The land donation can be
arranged in such a way that you retain the right to live on the land throughout
your lifetime.
Bargain Sale or Bequest
You may sell your property to the trust at a price below what you could receive
on the open market or you can transfer ownership of your property to the trust
through your Will.
Tax and Financial Implications
The grant of an easement, donation, bargain sale and bequest have different tax
implications and advantages, as well as different financial considerations. A member of the trust would
be pleased to discuss land conservation options with you. Because the trust is a
private organization, it can be more flexible than public agencies – and can act
more quickly to conserve important lands.
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Copyright © 2004 Couderay Waters Regional Land Trust Last modified:
December 27, 2004