What is a land trust and how do they work?
In a nutshell, a land trust is a local, state, or regional nonprofit organization directly involved in protecting land for its natural, recreational, scenic, historical, or productive value. A land trust works by identifying property owners wishing to preserve their property either as farmland or open space. Working in conjunction with such individuals, the land trust helps to make a determination of the value of their property and then explores specific arrangements under which the transaction could occur. Examples include direct purchase, donation, establishment of a conservation easement (with compliance monitoring) and partnership with private and governmental conservation agencies. Whichever route is chosen, the owner agrees that the property will be maintained as open space in perpetuity, and surrenders the right to sell to future speculative interests. In return, the property owner receives significant tax relief because the property is no longer worth its market value. The beau
