Voluntary Private Land Conservation 101
iWhether you're new to the world of voluntary private land conservation or looking for a refresh, read on for answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions about land trusts.
What are land trusts?
A land trust, or land conservancy, is a community-based, nonprofit organization that actively works to conserve land by acquiring land or conservation easements from willing landowners. Land trusts also manage or restore land once it has been conserved.
How many are there?
Based on the most recent National Land Trust Census, the Land Trust Alliance has 1,000 member land trusts collectively backed by 200,000 volunteers and an estimated 5 million supporters. This fall, at the conclusion of the 2021 Census, we'll share updated data about the national scope of land trusts.
What is a conservation easement?
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits uses of the land to protect its conservation values. It is a powerful tool for individuals who want to protect their private property for future generations. Learn more on the Alliance's website.
What is the Land Trust Alliance?
The Alliance is a national land conservation nonprofit working to save the places people need and love across America. It's the leading voice for voluntary private land conservation.
Where can you find a land trust?
Our member land trusts work in 93% of U.S. counties — in both urban and rural areas. Use the Find a Land Trust tool to locate the one closest to you!
What is their impact on the environment?
Over the last 40 years, land trusts have conserved approximately 60 million acres — an area larger than all the land contained in America's National Parks. Together, they aim to conserve an additional 60 million acres by 2030.
Land trusts preserve biodiversity by protecting important habitat for rare and threatened species and maintaining migration corridors; mitigate the impact of climate change; reduce greenhouse gas emissions by growing local food and capturing carbon in forested land; protect beautiful natural places for people to recreate and relax; and ensure clean air and drinking water by protecting and stewarding forests and wetlands.
Simply put, land trusts are great organizations doing great work! Check out our YouTube page for some examples of land trusts making a difference in their communities.
Kelsey Pramik is the development marketing manager at the Land Trust Alliance.