 About Land
Trusts
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 described below offer income tax,
estate tax, and property tax relief that help
make conservation affordable.
| 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 scenic
or wildlife resources. Each easement is
tailored to fit the specific property
and the owner's personal development
plans. No right of public access is
conveyed through a conservation
easement. 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.
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.
|
A donation of land
for conservation can be made by gift or
through a will 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.
|
KHLT also acquires trail easements to provide
public access across private property to enhance
outdoor recreational opportunities, and to date
has built and maintains the
Homestead Trail and the
Calvin and Coyle Nature Trail and
observation platform near Beluga Wetlands and
accessible to Paul Banks Elementary School.
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