| Conservation Method |
What is it? |
Result for Landowners |
Result for TLC |
| Conservation Easement |
Legal agreement that permanently limits a property's uses in order to protect the property's conservation values. |
Landowner gives up some interest(s) in their land, typically development rights, while continuing to own and use the land. Income and estate tax benefits*. |
TLC monitors the property annually, to uphold the values protected in the conservation easement. Land is permanently protected. |
| Outright Donation |
Landowner makes an outright, fee-simple donation of land to TLC. |
Landowner no longer owns or manages the land. Land is permanently protected. Income and estate tax benefits*. |
TLC owns and manages the land. Land is permanently protected. |
| Trade Lands |
Real property is donated to TLC and then is sold to purchase conservation lands. |
Landowner no longer owns the land. Landowner may wish to donate land to fund a designated conservation land purchase. Income tax benefits*. |
TLC sells the land and uses the money from the sale to purchase conservation lands. |
| Retain Life Estate |
Landowner donates property during lifetime but has lifetime use. |
Landowner retains rights to live on property as long as he/she is living and can even stipulate for a survivor to live there for life as well. Landowner is still responsible for maintenance, insurance and property taxes. Income tax benefits*. |
TLC will own the property after landowner's life use and that of any survivor. |
| Bargain Sale |
Part donation / part sale - property is sold at less than fair market value. Conservation easements can also be acquired through a bargain sale. |
Tax benefits to landowner since difference between fair market value and sale price is considered a charitable contribution. Smaller capital gains tax*. |
Allows TLC to purchase land or an easement at less than fair market value. Land is permanently protected. |
Outright Purchase
(Fee Simple Purchase) |
TLC purchases land from landowner. |
Landowner receives compensation for his/her land. |
TLC raises funds to purchase lands that are a top priority. Land is permanently protected. *See TLC's land acquisition criteria. |
| Donation of Land by Will |
Property is donated to TLC as specified in the landowner's will. |
Landowner continues to own property for life. Landowner stipulates in his/her will exactly what they would like TLC to do with their land. Estate tax benefits*. |
TLC receives property after landowner's death and complies with the stipulations of the will. |
| Charitable Trust |
Landowner or beneficiary places assets in an irrevocable charitable trust that allows the beneficiary and TLC to benefit. |
Beneficiary can receive a set income from the trust for life. If land is sold for the profit to be placed in a charitable trust, then capital gains do not have to be paid*. |
TLC receives the remainder of the trust after the death of the beneficiary. |
*Please consult your tax attorney.
