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Conservation Options
A landowner may preserve valuable lands in several ways through the JCHT. The following options are usual among land conservation trusts, and may have significant tax benefits: |
Stream at Turkey Creek |
- Conservation Easements (CE)
A CE is a legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization whereby the landowner retains ownership, but gives up the right to develop the land. CEs are permanent and remain in effect when the land is sold or inherited.
- Gift of Land
A landowner's gift of property to the land trust is protected and managed in accordance with the donor's wishes.
- Sale of Land
The land trust may purchase land with important natural resource values, or which is threatened by development, and protect it.
- Retained Life Estate
Landowners may donate property to the land trust but retain a life interest for themselves and their family. This allows them to live on or use the land for their lifetime.
- Limited Development
The land trust works with the landowner to design a limited development scenario whereby environmentally sensitive land is protected as open space, while well-planned development in the remaining area allows the owner to realize income.
- Bequest
A gift of land through a person's will removes the property from the donor's taxable estate.
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