DONATING CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS TO PERMANENTLY PROTECT OPEN SPACE
There are several potential recipients in the Corridor if you are interested in donating a conservation easement to permanently protect your land as open space. They include the state Department of Environmental Protection, your town, or your local land trust. Which is right for you and your land depends on two things: the location and characteristics of the property itself, and your goals for its future use.
If your property abuts existing state forest or other state-owned land, and/or if it includes attributes that would make it a good state park or state forest candidate, you might want to consider the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program. In some cases they may be able to assist with legal and other closing cost expenses in exchange for the gift.
In many cases, your town or local land trust will prove the recipient that best meets your goals and needs. Contact your town Conservation Commission, go to the Local land Trust Map and Contact Information, or contact us for more information.
Donations of land, as well as "bargain sales" of land (i.e. selling the land for less than its appraised value) often qualify the donor landowner for a substantial income tax deduction. Contact your attorney and/or see our Land Protection and Estate Planning Information Sheets for additional information.
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