What Is Land Protection?

HeartLands Conservancy406 East Main StreetMascoutah, IL 62258

618-566-4451

Land protection is a voluntary commitment by the landowner to protect land and may be accomplished through a variety of tools, including:

• Donation of Property• Sale/Acquisition • Conservation & Agricultural Easements

Our agricultural, cultural and natural resources are finite, and landowners’ commitments in protecting their property helps to ensure a conservation legacy within our community as well as the greater region as a whole.

Many families have been exemplary caretakers of their land for generations, and have made the decision to protect what they love; be it the land’s scenery, its unique flora and fauna, or its rich agricultural heritage.

For other landowners it’s protecting their family’s quality of life. The conservation of open space ensures cleaner water and air resources, space to collect and store stormwater, a broader diversity of plant and animal species, and additional opportunities for outdoor recreation activities for generations to come.

Finally, some landowners consider this a business decision, factoring in the potential reduction in capital gains taxes, possible deductions on federal income taxes, and local property tax relief.

HeartLands Conservancy is here to identify options and potential benefits that will assist you and your family in achieving your land conservation goals.

Serving Southwestern Illinois since 1989, we are the oldest and largest environmental nonprofit organization in our region. We’ve assisted in protecting over 5,000 acres throughout Southwestern Illinois,

HeartLands Conservancy is working to balance resource protection with the continued growth of our region.

Protecting Your Land

Join Us in Protecting Your Landwww.HeartLandsConservancy.org

Contact our office, so together, we can create your conservation legacy.

CREATE YOUR CONSERVATION

LEGACY

Consider the donation of land to a qualified land trust, such as HeartLands Conservancy. By donating to a qualified land trust you’re ensuring the long-term preservation of a unique or rare natural resource and furthering land conservation within the region. The donation could occur in a number of ways, including:

• Outright Donation• Donation by Will• Donation with Reserved Life Estate

The sale of land to a qualified land trust is generally reserved to properties that either contain special or rare natural or cultural resources, or is capable of providing significant ecosystem (stormwater management, water quality, etc.) or recreational (hiking, hunting, etc.) benefits back to the community or region. There are a number of options involved with the sale of land, including:

• Sale at Market Value• Bargain Sale• Installment Sale• Sale with Reserved Life Estate

A conservation easement is the most common way to permanently protect land. It’s a voluntary land preservation agreement in which landowners can permanently protect the qualities and values of their land that fit best with their wishes.

• The landowner maintains ownership, management, and control of the land.

• An easement may apply to all or a portion of the land, and need not require public access.

• The landowner can sell or mortgage the land, or leave it to heirs.

The deed of conservation easement which summarizes agreed-upon future land use, is developed between the landowner and Heartlands Conservancy, and is recorded and attaches permanently to the title of the land.

Protecting Your OptionsProtecting Your Options

Agricultural easements are similar to conservation easements but are specifically tailored to working farm lands and maintain agricultural land in active production along with removing development pressures.

Agricultural easements are regarded as the most promising tool for dealing with urban sprawl with a direct purpose of protecting farm land.

This is an important tool for passing land from one generation to the next. Also, allowable federal income tax deductions can be greater for farmers.

Every conservation or agricultural easement is as unique as the land it protects. HeartLands Conservancy crafts easement language that reflects your wishes and best uses for the future.

The staff at HeartLands Conservancy look forward to assisting you in meeting your land conservation goals. To take the next steps, please:

Donating or Selling Land Conservation Easements Agricultural Easements Taking The Next Steps

1. Contact our office to gain a better understanding of which conservation option(s) would work best for you. 2. Do your research: visit www.landtrustalliance.org

3. Discuss your wishes with your family, attorney, estate planner, and accountant.

HeartLands Conservancy406 East Main StreetMascoutah, IL 62258

618-566-4451Find out more about easements by requesting a copy of “Pursuing a Conservation Easement” from us and visit us online at www.HeartLandsConservancy.org.

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