Typically there are two major reasons to protect your land. The first is knowing that your land will be preserved forever, never to be turned into house lots, commercial buildings, or other development. The land will continue to be the woodland, farm, wetland, or meadow it has always been. The second major reason is financial. There can be significant tax benefits for donated conservation easements in terms of income tax deductions as well as in estate planning. For a comprehensive description of the Conservation Tax Incentive program, check out the Land Trust Alliance’s brochure.
Aquidneck Land Trust will pay up to fair market value for certain conservation easements with high conservation values. The Land Trust has accepted donations, purchased easements at bargain sale, and purchased easements at the full value of the conservation easement. Typically, the value of a conservation easement is between 80-90% of the full market value of the property, but this can be very site-specific and may vary.