The definition according to the Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts >> “A legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently restricts the uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. ….. Because of this flexibility and the tax benefits associated with the bargain sale of or donation of a conservation easement, they have become the most popular conservation tools of choice for landowners across the country. “

Recently, I have been receiving more and more inquiries into this “tax saving incentive” in regards to 35 acre tracts of land in rural subdivisions. My response is always…tread very carefully!  While there are indeed possible monetary benefits that can come with a Land Trust, it should never be one’s only motivation for acquiring land.

There are many ways folks can get into trouble with this, and not just with the State of Colorado and thier various regulatory agencies, but likely the IRS.

It is important that you do your research and make sure you are pursuing this with the utmost integrity and that you consult with reliable professionals to ensure you are following the intent and spirit of laws regarding Land Trusts. 

For further guidance on the matter I highly recommend reviewing the websites of the Land Trust Alliance for National Info at www.landtrustalliance.org and The Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts for local info and  at www.cclt.org.

“Land is America’s most vital and valuable resource. Conserving our land helps ensure we all have access to clean air and drinking water, food security, scenic landscapes and views, recreational places, and habitat for the diversity of life on earth.” ~ the Land Trust Alliance