| Related Information |
Letter of Intent (PDF 93KB) |
Deed of Conservation Easement (PDF 4MB) |
When You Want to Continue to Own the Land
Several options allow you, as the private landowner, to protect the conservation values of your land. Use conditions or restrictions agreed to within a conservation easement are permanent– remaining in effect even if the title changes hands. Mutual covenants can offer protections, but no long-term assurance.
- Conservation Easement– A voluntary, legal agreement between a property owner and a Land Trust, like the Southeast Alaska Land Trust, that restrict the uses of that property to ensure that its natural values remain in place. The conservation easement is the most widely used land protection tool available to landowners. Each conservation easement is tailored to a specific property and designed to meet the specific needs and conservation purposes of the landowner.
- Outright Donation– With the donation of a conservation easement the landowner commits to use provisions ensuring conservation of the property. The owner may realize income and property tax benefits.
- Donation By Will (Bequest)– A bequeathed conservation easement ensures the perpetual conservation of the land by heirs and future landowners. It also may reduce heir’s inheritance tax.
- Mutual Covenants – An agreement between neighboring landowners wishing to collectively protect natural features (open space, view, etc.) of land in a self-enforcing and non-perpetual manner.
Please note:
This information is intended as a general guide to planned giving and voluntary protection of private lands in Southeast Alaska. It is not meant as a substitute for legal or tax advice and should not be relied on as a sole source of information. Individuals wishing to make a donation should consult advisors such as their attorneys, tax accountant, or other professionals. Local and state government officials may also be able to provide useful advice.