LAND CONSERVATION OPTIONS
FOR PRIVATE LANDOWNERS
CONSERVATION EASEMENT
Leaves the land in private ownership
May result in an income tax deduction
May result in reduced estate taxes
As Milford grows it is essential to protect our quality of life. Preserving open space for scenic enjoyment, recreation, water resource protection and wildlife habitat can take many forms. Concerned residents, who care about their land, are looking for some financial benefit but do not want a subdivision on their precious property may be interested in exploring the idea of a conservation easement.
A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and the Conservation Commission or a land trust, that protects the land's conservation value. You still own the land, can continue to live on it, use it, sell it or pass it on. When you donate a conservation easement, you permanently protect the wildlife, aesthetic or historical value on the property. Future owners will be bound by the easement's terms
A conservation easement is flexible and may apply to just a portion of the property or the whole property, and does not need to require public access. It may allow for appropriate development, as long as the easement protects the land's conservation value.
A conservation easement can be essential for passing land on to the next generation. By removing the land's development potential, the easement lowers estate taxes. It can make a critical difference in your heirs' ability to keep the land.
LAND DONATION
Can result in a income tax deduction
Can be structured to allow you to continue to live on the land for life.
Do you own land where you enjoy walking? A beautiful place where wild creatures also call home? Do you want to be assured that bulldozers will never destroy the fox's den or fell the woodpecker's tree? Several Milford citizens have felt this way and have successfully provided protection for their land forever. Russ and Gerry Dickerman recently donated 125 acres to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Their land is now part of historic Monson Center. This property will be preserved for the enjoyment and education of many people over the coming years. Two other notable citizens cared about their land so much that they gave their property to Beaver Brook Association. 'Bill' Burns and Carl Holland have protected their precious farms from housing developments. The agreement Carl has with this non-profit educational organization allows him to remain on his land so that he may continue to enjoy his farm for the rest of his life. Bill Rotch and Hitchiner Manufacturing donated land to the town that is now part of Mayflower Hill Town Forest and the Hitchiner Town Forest.
Donating land of conservation value to the Conservation Commission or a land trust leaves a legacy for future generations and may make financial sense for you or your estate.
The Conservation Commission also accepts tax deductible contributions to our Conservation Land Fund.
(Talk with your own legal and financial advisors. You should make decision affecting your ownership and the use of your property only after careful consideration and professional consultation.)
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