Placer Land Trust (Conservation Tools)

CONSERVATION TOOLS

Wetlands and farmlands near Newcastle preserved by Placer Land Trust. Photo by Bob Cooley-Gilliom.

USING THE CONSERVATION TOOL BOX
TO PRESERVE LAND

PLT preserves land in several ways depending upon the nature of the land to be preserved and the needs of project partners, specifically landowners. Our goal is to create a "win win" scenario whereby willing landowners meet their personal and financial goals while preserving their land for future generations.

One important incentive for landowners to preserve their land is tax benefits. Federal and State taxes may be reduced by the donation of land or the right to develop land (called a "conservation easement" or, in the case of farmlands, an "agricultural easement"). When the donation of land to a qualified nonprofit results in preservation of the land "in perpetuity", the donor may see significant tax reductions, even up to the full value of the donation!

Landowners may also wish to sell their land or an easement to PLT to generate cash while preserving the land. Or, landowners may wish to preserve their land through the estate planning process.

However landowners wish to preserve their land, PLT can offer technical assistance and land conservation expertise. Furthermore, PLT can provide assistance in the form of fundraising, outreach, program development, and land stewardship. Landowners are encouraged to rely on their personal and trusted advisors (including attorneys, estate planners, financial advisors, etc.) in any land preservation project.

Land can be placed under protected status via a conservation or agricultural easement or via acquisition by PLT. There are numerous vehicles to assist landowners and PLT in preserving land. The links on this page explain the various ways land can be preserved in a "win win" scenario.