No, they are independent, entrepreneurial organizations that work with landowners who are interested in protecting open space. But land trusts often work cooperatively with government agencies by acquiring or managing land, researching open space needs and priorities, or assisting in the development of open space plans. Land trusts are very closely tied to the communities in which they operate. Moreover, land trusts' nonprofit tax status brings them a variety of tax benefits. Donations of land, conservation easements or money may qualify you for income, estate or gift tax savings .
Land trusts are extremely effective vehicles for conserving land.
But with more than 1,200 land trusts already in existence, starting a new land trust may not be necessary, timely or the best approach to achieving a community's conservation goals. Given the time and effort it takes to run a land trust, conservationists are encouraged to work with an existing land trust whenever possible. Nearly a third of the nation's land trusts are staffed entirely by volunteers. The others use volunteers on a continuing basis and in a number of jobs, including, sometimes, in helping to manage the land. Land trusts, and the Land Trust Alliance, depend on your membership dues and contributions to save America's open spaces.