What are my costs when donating a conservation easement?
Conservation easements are legal documents and require the professional services of lawyers, accountants and appraisers to prepare them properly. Some of these costs are borne by the land trust, and some by the landowner. In addition, there are costs associated with the annual stewardship review required under the terms of most conservation easements. Since this review must go on in perpetuity, a stewardship donation is usually created for each easement. Landowners are asked to donate to this fund and are usually happy to do so, even if they have not received substantial tax benefits from the donation of the easement. Such donations usually range from $5,000 to $15,000. If the landowner cannot make such a donation, the land trust might fundraise the amount from local sources, or extended payments or alternatives to cash can be considered. Some of the costs incurred in making a charitable contribution are themselves deductible. Often the income and/or estate taxes saved through the dona
