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Land
trusts are not "trusts" in the legal
sense. Some, in fact, refer to themselves by
other names such as conservancies, foundations,
or associations. Land trusts are formed to
protect land permanently. They accept donations
of properties, buy land, or help landowners
establish legal restrictions that limit harmful
use and development. Land trusts may own and
manage properties, monitor the restrictions they
have helped establish for land owners, and/or
work in partnership with other agencies to
protect critical land.
Land trusts are funded largely through
membership dues and/or donations from
individuals, businesses, and foundations. Some
are run solely by volunteers. Others, like CILTI,
include professional staffs.
Land trusts have special advantages. As
community organizations, land trusts understand
and are responsive to the special needs of the
land and people in their regions. As private
organizations, land trusts also are able to
offer quick response, flexibility, and
confidentiality in land transactions.
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Further information can be obtained
from:
The
Land Trust Alliance
Suite 410, 900 Seventeenth Street NW,
Washington, D.C. 20006. |
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