Donation of Conservation Easement

Legal agreement between landowner and land trust permanently limiting property's uses.

Land's conservation values protected by organization. Owner continues to own, use, live on, or sell the land.

Yes

Yes

Quickest route as grant application delay is not involved.

Landowner only receives tax benefit and no income.

Sale of Conservation Easement

Legal agreement between landowner and land trust permanently limiting property's uses.

Land's conservation values protected by organization.

No

No

Landowner receives payment

Grant application process slows course of action. Agreement is dependent upon grant sources and approval.

Donation of remainder interest in land reserved life estate

Land is donated to land trust but owner or designees continue to live there, usually until death.

Land trust owns and protects land

Yes

Yes

1.No grant application process involved.
2. Landowner continues to live on property

Landowner only receives income tax benefit but no income.

Bargain sale of land

Land is sold to land trust for a price below fair market value.

Land trust owns and protects land.

Yes

Yes

Landowner receives payment and income tax benefit.

Landowner does not receive full value.

Outright land donation

Land is donated to land trust.

Land trust owns and protects land.

Yes

Yes

No grant application process involved.

Landowner only receives tax benefit and no income.

Outright land sale

Land is sold to land trust.

Land owns and protects land

No

No

Landowner receives full value.

Grant application process slows course of action. Agreement is dependent upon grant approval. DCNR grants require public access.