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Land is one of the most tangible legacies an
individual can leave. For landowners who choose to leave property
by donating it to a land trust, it is a unique way to express their
appreciation for the land while guaranteeing its protection in perpetuity.
Conservation-minded landowners are an important
source of support for local land trusts who work to protect and
manage a community’s natural heritage. For each landowner
who donates land to a land trust, one more nature preserve, recreation
area or other open space becomes part of that heritage.
Caring about the land is one of the most compelling
reasons a landowner decides to donate land to a land trust. Other
factors that can drive that decision include:
- A parcel of land has significant conservation values
but there is no one to inherit or the likely heirs cannot
or will not protect it,
- Highly appreciated property would generate large capital
gains taxes if sold,
- A landowner has substantial real estate holdings and wants
to reduce the estate tax burdens,
- Treasured land is too great a responsibility and a
landowner wants to be certain it is managed and cared for
by a group that appreciates its value.
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