The Voice of Land Conservation

Tax Policy for Land Conservation

Despite support from majorities of both parties, the powerful enhanced tax incentive for conservation easement donations expired at the end of 2009!  Congress is still likely to renew the incentive this year, but this lapse shows why we need your help making it permanent and enacting other tax incentives for conservation at the state and federal level.  This section also includes information about how to use tax incentives for conservation and guidance on the evolving IRS rules for nonprofit organizations and conservation donations. Read more about Tax Policy for Land Conservation.

Land Conservation Funding

The 2008 Farm Bill and recent appropriations cycles have provided dramatic funding increases for Farm Bill conservation programs, the Land and Water Conservation Fund and other federal conservation programs.  Now the America's Great Outdoors Initiative provides a promising opportunity to do even more, but cuts to Farm Bill conservation programs in the FY11 budget show that we must remain vigilant.  Read more about Land Conservation Funding.

Emerging Issues

Each October, Rally participants and our Policy Advisory Council establish policy priorities for the Land Trust Alliance, but new opportunities and challenges always emerge. Learn more about climate change, electric transmission corridors and other emerging issues facing the land conservation community. Read more about Emerging Issues.

Helping Land Trusts Lobby

It’s every land trust’s responsibility to keep elected officials informed about the good work you’re accomplishing with the funds and tax incentives they provide. This section explains the IRS guidelines on nonprofit lobbying and provides advice on how to maximize your effectiveness. Read more about Helping Land Trusts Lobby.

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The Land Trust Alliance works to secure public policies on a national scale that support land trusts' efforts and their conservation goals.

As public commitment to conservation deepens, the Alliance helps hundreds of land conservation organizations working in communities all across our country develop, leverage, and coordinate their communications to build support for land conservation.

When the public understands and prioritizes the importance of private land conservation, federal, state, and local policy makers are compelled to listen and act.