Land Protection Options

If you are reading this, you are likely a positive steward of your land who is interested in ensuring that the natural resources of your property are protected as part of your legacy. Fortunately, there are many options for land conservation that can be customized to suit your particular needs.

The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) focuses its land conservation efforts on the protection of working forests and trails, but there are many other organizations throughout the state with a wide array of interests. We are always happy to discuss your ideas and priorities with you, and if we cannot help directly, we can hopefully help provide a reference to the best fit for your land. Below is a list of the top three mechanisms CFPA uses for land protection:

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Fee Simple Transfer

Transfer all rights, title, and interest in your property.

• Relatively simple transaction
• Permanent protection of conservation values
• Releases landowner of responsibilities of managing land
• Donation provides substantial income tax deduction and estate tax benefits while avoiding any capital gains taxes one would incur from selling the property

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Conservation Easement (Restriction)

Transfer permanent rights to the property to protect its conservation values.

• Allows property to remain in current ownership
• Can significantly lower estate taxes and property taxes
• Donation may qualify landowner for income tax deduction
• Permanent, but flexible so protects conservation values while still meeting landowner needs

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Trail Conservation Easement (Restriction)

Transfer rights to the trail corridor to protect its recreation/conservation values.

• Allows property to remain in current ownership
• Donation may qualify landowner for small income tax deduction
• Permanent, but flexible so protects trail /conservation values while still meeting landowner needs

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For more information about land protection options, visit the Connecticut Land Conservation Council.