Landowners can preserve all or parts of their valuable properties:
- By obtaining advice from the land trust on the significance of the land and how to preserve it themselves.
- By formal agreement, called a conservation easement, which is then legally placed on the property title to be monitored by the Land Trust. This customized agreement between the landowner and the Land Trust places limits on land use. This protects the property even when it passes to future owners.
- By donating property to the Land Trust now or through a will.
- By donating money or lands or other financial or real assets to the Land Trust to carry out its objectives.
Note: there are tax benefits when donating land, money or other bequests.
The above options pertain to Canadians landowners. However, there are options for American owners of sensitive properties in Canada through American Friends of Canadian Land Trusts.