If you are thinking about protecting your land there are a few different ways the WLAC can help you achieve our collective goal of protecting our Walloon Lake watershed:

DONATING LAND

Donating land is a great way to leave a legacy for generations to come as land donations ensure that the conservation values of your property are carried into perpetuity. 

Donated land will be managed as a permanent nature preserve and in some instances will be open to the public. The preserve is often named in honor of you, your family, or your loved ones. 

DONATING FUNDS

We also accept monetary donations with the sole purpose of purchasing a specific/important piece of land. These gifts are tax-deductible and help protect important conservation values and prevent future development.

CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

A conservation easement (CE) is a permanent legally binding agreement between a landowner and the WLAC. The CE restricts some of the property rights of the landowner and agrees to maintain the conservation values of the property. This agreement ensures that the property is kept in a state of conservation that adds to the overall benefit of the watershed and also provides a tax benefit to the donor. 

Overall the landowner retains the right to live on, manage, and even sell the property, and the WLAC gets the peace of mind that the property will be protected forever. Click here to check out some of our Conservation Easements.

Landowner Protection Tools

Below you will find for more details about your land protection options. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Conservation Programs Manager, Tanner Yurk.

 

Learn More

RESOURCES:

Low-Impact Development in the Little Traverse Bay Watershed

Landscaping Using Native Plants

Otsego Conservation District Native Plant Nursery