What is a Land Trust? A land trust is a nonprofit organization that, as all or part of its mission, actively works to conserve land by undertaking or assisting direct land transactions—primarily the purchase or acceptance of donations of land or conservation easements. Are land trusts government agencies? No, they are independent, nonprofit organizations that work with landowners, municipalities and community groups interested in protecting open space.  In addition to direct land protection, some land trusts such as the Columbia Land Conservancy work cooperatively with government agencies and municipalities by acquiring or managing land, researching open space needs, and priorities, or assisting in the development of open space plans. How can I protect my land? By working with a nonprofit land trust such as the Columbia Land Conservancy, you can decide the best conservation tool to use to protect your land. You can select from a number of tools, including the outright donation of your property, the donation or sale of a conservation easement that permanently restricts development, the bargain sale of your property, and several other variations.  Where does the Columbia Land Conservancy get its funding? The Columbia Land Conservancy is funded through a combination of membership gifts, annual contributions, special events, grants, and endowments.  A limited amount of funding comes from the New York State Council on the Arts for work with conservation design and community conservation. In 2004, 87 percent of our support came from individuals and businesses. How can I donate to the Columbia Land Conservancy? Click here. Are donations tax deductible? The Columbia Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization.  Your membership donations are fully tax-deductible for income tax purposes. How do I find out about volunteer opportunities with the Columbia Land Conservancy? Click here.

Columbia Land Conservancy · P.O. Box 299 · 49 Main Street · Chatham, NY 12037 · (518) 392-5252