Common Conservation Techniques

Conservation Easement

• Places permanent restrictions on future development of your land
• You retain ownership
• Binds all present and future owners of the eased land
• May receive an income tax deduction and/or payment in return for reducing the market value of the land, may also reduce estate taxes
• Endowment needed to ensure the proper monitoring and legal defense of the easement

Outright Donation of Land and Endowment

• Most straightforward way to protect your land and ensure that is properly managed in the long-term
• Full title and ownership are transferred to a nonprofit conservation organization, such as Tinicum Conservancy
• Generally offers the maximum potential tax benefit
• Endowment needed for on-going care of the property

Donation with Life Estate

• Similar to outright donation but allows you to retain the right to live on the property for the rest of your life
• Tax deduction will be less than in an outright donation
• Endowment needed for on-going care of the property

Bequest

• Donating your land through your will or living trust allows you to maintain complete control of the land while you are alive
• May leave a life estate for your family
• Do not receive an income tax deduction for donation but may significantly reduce estate taxes
• Endowment needed for on-going care of the property

Donation as a non-conservation Asset Property

• Contribute land/home and allow Tinicum Conservancy to sell it and use the funds to support conservation
• Doesn’t need to be a property with significant conservation value
• May receive income tax deduction for contribution
• Good option for small parcels and homes