Land trusts, with their ability to respond creatively and effectively to local conservation needs, are uniquely suited to meet the challenge of saving these lands. Land trusts are not trusts in the legal sense. In fact, many refer to themselves as conservancies, foundations, or associations. Some are small and are run solely by volunteers. Others manage thousands of acres and have large professional staffs.
Land trust protect land permanently and directly.
They accept donations of properties, buy land, or help landowners establish legal restrictions that limit harmful use and development. They protect land that has natural, recreational, scenic, historic, or productive value, depending on the needs of the community or region. Some preserve many different types of land. Others focus on a particular area or resource. Land trusts are usually not adversarial, but work cooperatively with landowners and government agencies.