Central Indiana Land Trust can assist in the conservation of forests, wetlands, prairies, and wildlife habitats and protect their valued natural integrity and scenic beauty. Once protection is in place, management and monitoring will assure that the lands will remain in a natural, undeveloped state.

The landowner gives property to the land trust by gift or will. Most of CILTI's properties have been acquired through outright donations by generous landowners. This preservation option appeals to those who want to maintain their property's special natural qualities, historical or familial significance, scenic or ecological value. Once acquired by CILTI, a management plan will be placed in effect for stewardship and restoration, if necessary, of the natural habitat of the land.

Occasionally, natural lands may be purchased. In a bargain sale, the land trust buys the property from the landowner for a price below fair market value. This reduces the cost to the land trust, allows the landowner to receive money for the land while realizing significant tax benefits.

A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and the land trust that places specific land-use restrictions on a property according to the landowner's express wishes. The easement runs with the title to the property, allowing the property to remain in private ownership and to be used for purposes consistent with the conservation values of the property. The property can be sold or bequeathed while the terms of the easement remain intact, thus requiring all future owners to abide by the terms of the agreement. CILTI's responsibility is to monitor and ensure that the terms of the agreement are observed. Being privately owned, land protected by a conservation easement is not open to the public.

A landowner's responsibility is to adequately explore all available options and to consult with his or her tax advisor. To discuss land protection options with CILTI representatives or to do a site visit of a property call or e-mail us. Further information can also be obtained through The Land Trust Alliance.