Choosing to donate land or a conservation easement is a big decision that requires thoughtful consideration of your personal financial circumstances and your hopes for the future of your land. HWLC can provide general information about tax implications for gifts of land and conservation easements but cannot provide legal or tax advice. HWLC strongly recommends landowners retain their own independent legal counsel and tax specialist. It can take anywhere from a couple months to a couple years to complete a land protection project. Most non-riparian properties we protect are at least 80 acres, and riparian properties are at least 10 acres with over 500 'of frontage.
HWLC must secure funding for the long-term stewardship of every property we protect. When we promise to protect a piece of land forever, we must be certain we have the means to do so. The amount of stewardship funding required varies depending on the size of the property, distance from the office, number of reserved rights/permitted activities, and likelihood of future enforcement actions. HWLC respectfully asks the landowner to contribute towards this stewardship fund. If the landowner is unable to contribute, HWLC is obligated to raise additional funds from private donors or grant sources before it can accept the CE or land donation.
HWLC primarily protects land by accepting gifts of land or conservation easements, but there are other options that may work best in special circumstances.
For more information on the conservation easement process check out this guide for landowners below.
Selling an Easement?
Interested in selling your land that is protected by a conservation easement?