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 About Land
Trusts
People across the country have
historically worked to save places important to their
communities -- the riverbanks, meadows, forests, and
family farms in their back yards. Land trusts were born
of these community-minded roots.
Working with land trusts,
landowners can choose from
a variety of permanent conservation methods. The property may stay in private ownership and
use, or it may be transferred to the land
trust. In every case, the way in which the
property is protected depends upon the wishes of
the landowner and the conservation values of the
property.
Kachemak Heritage Land Trust uses creative, flexible conservation
methods to achieve protection goals and meet the
specific needs of the landowner. Many of the
approaches offer income tax,
estate tax, and property tax relief that help
make conservation affordable. It is important to
discuss potential financial benefits with an
attorney and/or tax advisor, as each landowner’s
situation is unique.
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A
conservation
easement is a voluntary legal
agreement between a landowner and the
land trust that permanently limits uses
of the land in order to protect its
particular
conservation resources. Each easement is
tailored to fit the specific property
and the owner's personal development
plans. No right of public access is
conveyed. The land stays in private
ownership and use, and KHLT ensures that
the conservation restrictions are
honored over time and through all
subsequent changes in ownership.
Sample easement
terms
A charitable remainder interest
is an arrangement through which a
landowner donates property, but reserves
the right to continue to live on or use
the property during his or her lifetime.
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A
donation of land
for conservation
can be made by gift or
bequest, and guarantees that the
property will be protected for its
conservation values forever.
A
bargain sale occurs when a
property is sold for less than fair
market value. When this property is sold
to KHLT, the seller may receive
significant income tax benefits.
Trade land is land donated to
the land trust to be sold in order to
generate money to promote its
conservation program.
Property acceptance criteria
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