A land trust is a private alternative to land preservation by public agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources or local park districts. Land trusts vary greatly. There were nearly 900 such organizations in the U.S. in 1990. Over half were completely volunteer, while others had a paid director and some had additional paid staff. Land trusts are generally non-adversarial, but work cooperatively with landowners and government agencies.
Land trusts protect property from development in more than one way.
Outright ownership, from either donation or purchase, is the most straightforward. Conservation easements are a means for the private owner to retain ownership, but restrict harmful use or development of the property. Limited development can allow for careful development of a part of a property, thus financing preservation of a more sensitive portion of the property. In each case, significant tax benefits may accrue to the donor of the land or easement, or the developer. A regional land trust can focus its efforts on property that is important to the region, communities, and citizens it serves.