Feature Article October 23, 2002
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeIn land We TrustDo you have ecologically sensitive lands? Do you want to preserve lands in your area? Two related forces are emerging simultaneously. One is the pressure to develop lands in our region. The other is an awareness of the special importance of preserving environmentally sensitive lands. Along with this the government has developed tax incentives to help individuals who want protect significant ecosystems. At the same time organizations are establishing land trusts to preserve important lands in Canada.
At least two tax incentives are available, whether you continue to own your property or donate it to a charitable organization. The first option is to preserve lands through conservation easements. Easements allow you to protect your land permanently while still retaining ownership and ongoing use. An easement is an agreement you sign with a qualified organization that places limits on land use. It restricts uses, development, or practices that would damage the natural or cultural features of your property. The second tax preference option is to donate or sell your property, or a portion of it, to an eligible organization. Both of these options can relieve you of certain land taxes and income taxes depending on individual circumstances.
Along with the governments incentives to preserve valuable lands, charitable trusts have emerged. Land trusts are registered charitable non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting natural and cultural areas. While these types of organizations have a long history in the US and Britain, they are relatively new in Canada. In recent years several land trusts have been established in Ontario. They include the Muskoka Heritage Foundation and the Georgian Bay Land Trust. Conservation organizations have also developed programs to receive and manage properties. Among those are the Nature Conservancy and the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. In addition Conservation Authorities will work with landowners to preserve valuable lands.
The Rideau Waterway Land Trust Foundation was established recently in our area. It was founded in 1996 to preserve lands within the Rideau Corridor. The foundation is committed to preserving lands of natural, aesthetic or historic value in the Rideau Corridor for the benefit of present and future generations. The Trusts initial emphasis has been on lands in the immediate vicinity of the Rideau waterway. Since its inception the organization has taken title to several significant properties along the Rideau. They are also highlighting the options available for landowners to preserve significant lands. The Land Trust is expanding its area of interest to areas within the corridor that have an impact on the waterway. These include lands in the feeder watersheds. Thus their interest embraces significant segments of our region. The Land Trust is headquartered at P.O. Box 249, Portland, Ontario, K0G 1V0. Its email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Another important organization is the Ontario Nature Trust Alliance. This organization serves the interests of land trusts throughout Ontario. It helps them with various resources and assistance so they can operate more effectively. They can be reached on at www.ontarionature.org/enviroandcons/onta.html. Finally the Federation of Ontario Naturalists has published a handbook for Ontario land trusts entitled Creative Conservation. The Federation may be reached at 355 Lesmill Rd., Don Mills, Ont. M3B 2W8.
In future articles I will provide additional information about the opportunities available to preserve environmentally sensitive lands.
