Aren’t some conservation easements donated?
Certainly, and while the Conservancy is delighted to accept gifts of land or interests in land when owners are able to offer them, we believe that landowners have every right to seek fair value for their land. That is the essence of a willing buyer/willing seller transaction, familiar to anyone who has ever purchased a home. The Conservancy has a long history of purchasing conservation easements when necessary to make sure important lands are permanently conserved. That being said, the Legacy Easement purchase includes a substantial bargain sale (donated) component, estimated at $10 million.
