Land Sales and Bargain Sales

While most land trusts have limited funding for purchases, it may be possible for them to fundraise in order to purchase a particularly important piece of land. Many land trusts in Wisconsin use the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund, a state fund for land acquisition by the WI-DNR, local governments and non-profit conservation groups. When land trusts work with the Stewardship Fund, there are several requirements they must meet, including the development of a property management plan and making the land open to the public whenever possible.

A Bargain Sale can be appropriate when you need some compensation for your property or easement, but can afford to sell to a land trust at a price below what you could receive on the open market. The difference between the maximum “fair market value” and the actual sale price is considered a donation to the land trust, and therefore potentially tax deductible.

Related links:

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund