photo by Tom Linkous

Landowners interested in protecting their property should contact either a qualified governmental unit or a non-profit organization designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a “Land Trust” (sometimes referred to as a “Land Conservancy”).

What is a Land Trust?

A land trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose purpose is to work with landowners to protect open spaces, waterways, farmlands, wetlands, forests or any unique natural feature that could be degraded by development or mineral exploration. Appalachia Ohio Alliance (AOA) is a land trust that serves southeastern Ohio, with an emphasis on the wondrous Hocking Hills region. Organized in 2002, AOA is one of over 40 such land trusts in Ohio, and one of over 1700 in the United States – where more than 10 million acres have already been protected.

Land trust organizations are usually made up of concerned citizens who live and work in the local area.  They are funded by donations, membership dues, corporate sponsors, fundraising events and governmental or private grants, and are primarily staffed by local volunteers. The main tool used by land trusts to protect land is called a “conservation easement” (sometimes called a “conservation agreement”).