Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy

Land Protection -- Land Protection Tools available to the land owner

Gift of Land

When land has special ecological, recreational, or scenic value, a land owner may donate the land as a gift to LSWC. If land does not meet that criteria, the land may be purchased with the understanding that the land will be sold and the money used to purchase other significant lands.

Important tax benefits are available in either case.

Land in a Will

If you leave your land to LSWC in your will, it allows you full use of your land during your lifetime and ensures it to conservation for perpetuity.

Sale of Land

If finances are available, or if a fund raising campaign can take place, and after an appraisal by a qualified appraiser, significant lands may be purchased by LSWC for fair market value.

Sale and "Bargain Sale

Any sale below market value is called a "bargain sale". This allows the owner to receive an income tax deduction for the gift of a portion of the property value.

Helping Governments

Parks or nature preserves acquisitions may be cooperative ventures between LSWC and government agencies.

Conservation Easement

A land owner may agree to a voluntary agreement to retain private ownership of the land while limiting the type or amount of development that may occur. The conservancy enforces the terms of the easement for perpetuity while the land owner may realize significant tax benefits.

For all of the scenarios listed above, in Canada and the U.S. each tax situation needs to be evaluated as there could be significant tax benefits for the land owner.

American Friends of Canadian Lands (U.S. residents owning land in Canada)

LSWC is a designated grantee for American Friends of Canadian Lands. This applies to cross-border Conservation gifts by U.S. residents - meaning U.S, citizens who own lands in Canada and in some way want to donate/sell the lands to the Conservancy, a procedure through AFCL has been established so Canadian and U.S, tax benefits may be realized by the U.S. land owner.

Contact the Conservancy office for questions and to obtain details.