Protecting Your Land Forever
Leave a Natural Legacy by Conserving Your Land.
More than 150 landowners have conserved their property in perpetuity with Triangle Land Conservancy. Each project is unique according to the needs and vision of the landowner and the type of resources the land contains.
Our work is entirely voluntary, and we’re here to guide you in choosing the best approach to permanently protect the natural and cultural values of your land—ensuring it remains a legacy for future generations. Explore the options available to find the path that’s right for you.
Land Purchase
TLC purchases some properties outright — also called a fee simple purchase. If these properties are sold below market value they may qualify for tax deductions. Once TLC owns the property, we may keep the land private for conservation and habitat management, open it to the public as a nature preserve, or transfer it to another entity for public use.
Conservation Easements
These voluntary, binding legal agreements between TLC and landowners permanently protect natural resources by limiting development. Landowners can donate or sell easements, which are often funded through a mix of federal, state, and local sources. Easements reduce the land’s value by removing development rights, which lowers property taxes and makes the land more affordable for future buyers.
Land Donation or Bequest
Donating land through a bequest lets landowners retain full use and control of their property during their lifetime while creating a lasting conservation legacy. It can reduce inheritance taxes and is a flexible option while keeping responsibility for maintenance and taxes with the owner.
Why Conserve Your Land?
People choose to conserve their land for many reasons—whether it’s a deep family legacy, vital wildlife habitat, or the presence of clean water and natural resources. But one thing unites them all: a love for the land.
Land trusts like TLC exist to support landowners who want to ensure their property is protected forever. Whether it’s a farm, forest, or open space, conserving private land plays a vital role in tackling some of society’s biggest challenges, from climate change to habitat loss to public health.
Working with a local land trust offers many benefits. Their strong community ties, local knowledge, and trusted relationships make them effective partners in land conservation. As nonprofits, they may provide valuable tax advantages, including potential income, estate, or gift tax savings. Unlike government agencies, land trusts can offer greater flexibility, creativity, and discretion in negotiating and managing land protection efforts.
Photo: Three generations of the Bolton Leight family at the easement closing with TLC’s Associate Director of Land Protection West, Margaret Sands.
Landowner Resources
Already conserved your property with TLC or recently acquired a property with a conservation easement? Thank you! You make our work possible. With your support, we are keeping thousands of acres in our area as open space in perpetuity. As the Triangle region continues to grow exponentially, it is critical that we sustain our conservation efforts to maintain the vibrant natural beauty of North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will TLC take care of management activities on my property?
Land under conservation easement is still owned by the landowner. Any type of management activity is the responsibility of the landowner.
Can I amend my conservation easement?
Amending a conservation easement requires approval by TLC staff and board, and the landowner is required to cover the expenses of staff time and legal costs. Amendments must improve the conservation values of the property and cannot result in private inurement (an economic benefit to the landowner). For these reasons, TLC has rarely amended conservation easements.
How long do TLC’s conservation easements last?
TLC holds conservation easements in perpetuity — forever. The conservation easement stands through property sales, transfers, or donations.
Remember to contact TLC about your conservation easement if:
- You wish to exercise a reserved right on your property, such as cut/harvest vegetation/trees, construction of structures (house, sheds, fences), build trails, and any other changes to the property that may affect the terms of the conservation easement.
- You have questions about permitted and not-permitted activities.
- You wish to sell or transfer ownership of your property.
- You wish to receive a site visit from TLC staff to discuss your conservation easement.
Friendly Faces
Our stewardship staff and volunteers monitor TLC’s eased properties at least once a year. When we monitor the land, we walk through the property making sure the landowner is complying with the terms of the conservation easement. This involves walking the boundaries to make sure nothing is encroaching on the property and checking interior areas around housing and farming infrastructure. Our staff and volunteers always notify landowners in advance when they are planning to visit the property.
Hannah Royal
