Whitewater Valley Land Trust is able to accept gifts of land or may be able to purchase land when its quality is of such a high standard that the Trust feels the land is crucial to its mission of improving the natural and open space values of the Whitewater Valley landscape. However, the Trust's financial ability to purchase lands may not be sufficient to make all worthwhile acquisitions possible by WVLT. In such instances, WVLT may seek a "project parthership" with other orginazations or agencies, private or public, such as a private charitable foundation or the Indiana Heritage Trust, etc.
Other preservation strategies may occasionally be appropriate for consideration, such as the "triple life estate" option. We will to the best of out ability acquaint interested landowners with all such land preservation alternatives. However, WVLT cannot render tax or legal advice and any information we give is not intended as such.
The Whitewater Valley Land Trust will place its greatest efforts into negotiating conservation easements on tracts that have significant value as forested or wetland natural areas at sites where surrounding lands already support these habitats on a broader scale. When its resources of people, time, and dollors allow, WVLT will strive also to its fullest ability to protect other lands of the Whitewater Valley as well.
A variety of benefits come to land owners who place a conservations easement on land they love and wish to protect. Increased certainty that their land will be maintained in ways they would hope is the most important among these.
Placing a conservation easement on a property may reduce its future financial value because development is restricted. This may be offset by significant income tax, estate tax, and/or property tax advantages.
Support for a land trust preserves the visual landscape of open spaces and natural areas that most people enjoy, whether that be distant views from their front porches or the open spaces they pass each day as they go about their work and recreation. The conservation of habitats for wildlife has intrinsic value. It enhances a diverse richness of flora and fauna and it adds beauty to people's lives.
If you would prefere to help out without joining, please Contact us.
To become a member, and/or make contributions, please fill out the Membership Form.
Thank you for your interest in Whitewater Valley Land Trust!
