Doing nothing to protect it may doom your land to development.
Estate taxes are one reason.
A land trust like the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy is a great resource for assisting landowners find ways to protect their land. Donating the easement can result in reduced income tax and estate tax. Land Donation Donating conservation land to a land trust is a wonderful way to share its beauty with future generations. The donation can even be set up in a way that allows you to continue to live on the land or to receive a life income. Bargain Sale of Land Selling land to the land trust at less than its fair market value can make it affordable for the land trust and provide tax benefits for the landowner.