When You Want to Continue to Own the Land
Several
options allow you, as the private landowner, to protect the conservation
values of your land. Use conditions or restrictions agreed to within
a conservation easement are permanent-- remaining in effect even if
the title changes hands. Mutual covenants can offer protections, but
no long-term assurance.
- Conservation
Easement – A voluntary,
legal agreement between a property owner and a Land Trust, like
the Southeast Alaska Land Trust, that restrict the uses of that
property to ensure that its natural values remain in place. The
conservation easement is the most widely used land protection tool
available to landowners. Each conservation
easement is tailored to a specific property and designed to meet
the specific needs
and conservation purposes of
the landowner.
- Outright Donation – With
the donation of a conservation easement the landowner
commits to use provisions
ensuring conservation of the property. The owner may
realize income and property tax benefits.
- Donation By Will (Bequest) – A
bequeathed conservation easement ensures the perpetual conservation
of the land by heirs and future
landowners. It also may reduce heir’s inheritance
tax.
- Mutual Covenants – An
agreement between neighboring landowners wishing to collectively
protect
natural features
(open space,
view, etc.) of land in a self-enforcing and non-perpetual
manner.
Please note:
This information is intended
as a
general guide to planned giving
and
voluntary
protection
of private lands in Southeast Alaska.
It is
not meant as a substitute for legal
or
tax advice
and should not be relied on as a sole
source
of information.
Individuals wishing to make a
donation should consult advisors
such
as their attorneys,
tax accountant,
or other professionals. Local and
state
government officials may also
be able to
provide
useful
advice.
|
|
