Most land trusts are private, nonprofit organizations operating at local, state, or regional levels that are directly involved in protecting land for its conservation values. Land trusts are distinguished by their direct involvement in land transactions or management.
Land trusts can also purchase or accept donations of land, or manage land owned by others.
They also advise landowners on how to preserve their land. Land trusts may focus their efforts in a community, in a region, or on a particular type of resource. The Palouse Land Trust focuses its efforts in Latah County, Idaho, Whitman County, Washington, and adjacent counties. Land Trusts have many advantages as a vehicle for protecting land. Their nonprofit status brings them a variety of tax benefits.