Easements

With unparallel growth to the south of us, the Land Trust is committed to preserving the quality of life here in Mendocino County for ourselves, our children, and for future generations. We strive to be active stewards of our lands. The Inland Mendocino County Land Trust offers an important tool, the conservation easement, to do just that.

Conservation easements allow property owners to voluntarily define the use of their land, protecting it for residential, agricultural, or forestry uses, while preserving the environment. Each easement uniquely reflects the desires of the individual landowner. The public benefits from the preservation of open space, wildlife habitats, farm and ranch lands. The landowner may also receive expanded tax advantages.

An easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency to permanently protect your land without giving up ownership. You can continue to use it, live on it, and sell it, or pass it on to your heirs. If you choose to sell your land the agreement runs with the land.

Federal income tax reduction and incentives: “If you donate a conservation easement that meets federal tax code requirements, the value of the easement can be treated as a charitable gift and deducted from income tax.”

• Expanded tax incentive for land owners allows a deduction from 30% of their income in any year to 50%. Learn More

• Allows qualifying farmers and ranchers up to 100% of their income.

• Reduced county property taxes and potential California estate taxes.