CONSERVATION OPTIONS

The Central Indiana Land Trust can assist in the conservation of forests, wetlands, prairies, and wildlife habitats and protect their valued natural integrity and scenic beauty. Once protection is in place, management and monitoring will assure that the lands will remain in a natural, undeveloped state in perpetuity.

Land Donations
Many of the Central Indiana Land Trust's properties have been acquired through outright donations by generous landowners, either by gift or will. This preservation option appeals to those who want to maintain their property's special natural qualities, historical or familial significance, scenic or ecological value. Once acquired by the land trust, a management plan will be placed in effect for stewardship of the natural habitat of the land.

Sales and Bargain Sales
Natural lands may be purchased by the Central Indiana Land Trust. In a bargain sale, the land trust buys the property from the landowner for a price below fair market value. This reduces the cost to the land trust, and allows the landowner to receive money for the land while realizing significant tax benefits.

Conservation Easements
A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and the land trust that places specific land-use restrictions on a property according to the landowner's express wishes. The easement stays with the title to the property, allowing the property to remain in private ownership and to be used for purposes consistent with the conservation values of the property. The terms of the easement remain intact if the property is sold or bequeathed, thus requiring all future owners to abide by the terms of the agreement. Central Indiana Land Trust's responsibility is to monitor and ensure that the terms of the agreement are observed. Being privately owned, land protected by a conservation easement is not open to the public.

Click here to download a 2011 Fact Sheet about Conservation Easements (pdf file).

Landowner Responsibility
A landowner's responsibility is to adequately explore all available options and to consult with his or her tax advisor. Further information can also be obtained through The Land Trust Alliance.

For more information about conservation options, please contact us.