Van Duzen River Foundation -- Conservation Easements

Common Good — Conservation easements allow landowners to contribute to local communities and to the State by protecting the land and water resources that provide us with our cherished quality of life.

Financial Benefits — Conservation easements may reduce a landowner's tax obligations in number of ways:

Income Taxes: As with other charitable contributions, the donation of a conservation easement under certain circumstances may allow the landowner to claim a federal income tax deduction for the value of the easement.
Estate taxes: A gift of a conservation easement may also reduce federal estate taxes, making this an effective way to transfer land to the next generation with its natural features intact.
Property Taxes: An easement that reduces the value of the land may result in lowered annual property taxes.

NOTE: The rules governing all of these potential tax savings are complex and require the advice of professional advisors.

I know the joy of fishes in the river through my own joy, as I go walking along the same river. -- Chuang Tzu