Land trusts often protect land by accepting gifts of land or conservation easements. Land also may be purchased, but most land trusts have limited financial resources.
Land is given to a conservancy for many reasons.
Most landowners wish to protect the land that they have loved and cherished, and want it to remain protected in the future. Donations of land or easements to a charitable organization also may provide substantial tax benefits. A conservation easement allows you to permanently protect the natural and scenic resources of your land while retaining ownership and control. An easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and a conservancy, tailored to fit your property and your conservation needs. An easement legally binds all present and future owners, and is recorded in the Register of Deeds office.