Conservation Options

Conservation Restriction (CR)
A CR (also called a Conservation Easement) is a legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization whereby the landowner retains ownership, but gives up the right to develop the land. CRs are permanent, and remain in effect when the land is sold or inherited.

Gift of Land
A landowner’s gift of property to the land trust is protected and managed according to the donor’s wishes.

Sale of Land
The land trust raises the funds to purchase land with important natural resource values, or which is threatened by development, and protect it.

Retained Life Estate
Landowners donate property to the land trust but retain a life interest for themselves and their family, allowing them to live on or use the land for their lifetime.

Limited Development
The land trust works with the landowner to design a limited development scenario whereby environmentally sensitive land is protected as open space, while well-planned development in the remaining area allows the owner to realize income.

Bequest
A gift of land through a person’s will removes the property form the donor’s taxable estate.