If you own a farm or parcel of land, did you realize that you can protect the natural beauty and resources of that land for your future generations to enjoy?  With the gift of a conservation easement, you can permanently protect your land and may be eligible for tax benefits.*

A conservation easement is a land preservation agreement between a landowner and a governmental or non-profit conservation organization that places permanent limits on the future development of a property in order to protect the conservation values of the land.  The easement terms are negotiated between the landowner and the land conservation organization.  Except for rights explicitly given up in the agreement, the landowner continues to own, use and control the land.

There are significant tax incentives associated with a conservation easement donation.  For many donors, this translates into substantial savings on federal, state, estate and local property tax bills.  This can help make the land more affordable for heirs to keep in the family.*

There are many reasons to preserve the natural beauty around us.  Click here to read the full brochure on conservation easements.  For more information on how you can donate land for conservation, contact the Piedmont Environmental Council's Land Conservation Program at (540) 347-2334 or e-mail landconservation@pecva.org.  You may also visit their website at http://www.pecva.org/.

This information was taken from the brochure "Protecting Your Land With A Conservation Easement" from the Piedmont Environmental Council.  Neither the PEC nor Cynthia Hash is offering tax advice.  Please consult your attorney and/or accountant for professional advice.