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The passage of the federal Farm Bill renews a powerful incentive for land conservation which has helped conserve a million or more acres of natural areas and farms nationwide, including hundreds of acres here locally.
The incentive had expired January 1st, 2008, but is now retroactive to the beginning of the year and will last through 2009. Here in Washtenaw County, the previous incentive was instrumental in protecting 1,720 additional acres of natural areas, farms, and open space during 2007.
“It’s a wonderful thing for the community that the conservation incentives have been renewed for 2008 and 2009,” said Susan Lackey, Executive Director of the Washtenaw Land Trust. “These incentives are critical to protecting local lands.”
Senator Max Baucus of Montana, who originated the incentive provision, is quoted as saying: “Simply put—this is an incentive that works: for conservation, for farmers, for ranchers, and for all landowners who want a fair deal for their tremendous generosity in donating conservation easements. Many…landowners…have told me they could not afford to conserve their land without this measure.”
The incentive, which applies to a landowner’s federal income tax, will:
- Raise the deduction a donor can take for donating a voluntary conservation agreement from 30% of their income in any year to 50%;
- Allow farmers and ranchers to deduct up to 100% of their income; and
- Increase the number of years over which a donor can take deductions from 6 to 16 years.
Landowners in Washtenaw and Jackson counties who would like to learn more about the tax incentives for land conservation are encouraged to contact Washtenaw Land Trust at 734-302-5263.
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Serving Washtenaw and Jackson counties, the Washtenaw Land Trust protects the natural areas and rural landscapes that make our community a great place to live. Since 1971, the Land Trust has protected 64 properties totaling 3,619 acres through voluntary land conservation. The Land Trust is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, please visit www.washtenawlandtrust.org, or contact the Land Trust at info@washtenawlandtrust.org or 734-302-LAND (5263).
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How You Can Support Local Land Protection
More great conservation projects are in the works. Your gift to the Land Trust will ensure that funds are ready for the next big opportunity. If you'd like to make a gift:
Thank you! For more information, please contact Suzie Heiney at 734-302-LAND (5263) or suzie@washtenawlandtrust.org.
Photo credit: Barry Lonik
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