Several conservation options are available that can protect land encumbered with tax burdens or other issues that may require the sale of a farm or ranch that’s part of your family heritage. You retain ownership of the land.

Conservation Easements – A conservation easement ensures that your property will be managed according to your wishes well beyond your lifetime. Whether you own 5,000 acres or five acres, individual landowners, corporations and organizations can protect farm and ranch land, wildlife habitat, scenic areas and historic buildings by making use of conservation easements. A conservation easement permanently limits a property’s uses in order to limit development and insure that property is reserved for farming, grazing land, wildlife habitat or cultural values. A conservation easement can qualify as an income tax or estate tax deductible charitable donation. You retain ownership of the land, but the land trust makes sure whatever you’ve dedicated that land to is respected and the land is used as you prefer. The land trust assumes the responsibility and the legal right to enforce the easement. More information about conservation easements can be found on our Resources page.

Purchased Conservation Easements – A land trust can also purchase "development rights" conservation easements. In effect, a trust pays property owners for restricting the future use of land. A trust purchases the right and responsibility to monitor and enforce the terms of the easement – the restrictions placed on the use of the land. All other rights of ownership are retained by the landowner. Purchased conservation easements may qualify owners for reduced estate taxes on inherited land.

Land Management Programs – A variety of state, federal and private land management programs are also available to help landowners maintain, improve or create grazing land, wildlife and fish habitat, wetlands and recreational resources. The Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust can help you identify programs to help conserve and enhance your property.

Land Donations - Landowners may receive significant tax savings by donating their land. The Trust accepts gifts of real property including homes, farms, ranches and commercial buildings.

Stock Donations - The Trust also accepts gifts of stocks and mutual funds. Your donation of these securities will help to provide a lasting contribution to the Trust and allows you to receive income and capitol gain tax savings.

Estate Planning - This is another opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the Trust according to the wishes of the owner. Estate planning may also help you to reduce your income tax. It can also help reduce or possibly eliminate capitol gain taxes.

The Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust does not give tax or legal advice. We feel that it is important that you consult with your own qualified financial or legal advisor before making a gift.