Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Land Trust?

Land trusts, also known as land conservancies, are charitable organizations committed to the permanent protection of lands with natural, recreational, scenic, historical or agricultural value.

Land trusts can be local, regional or nationwide in focus. They vary in size from small land trusts operated by volunteers to organizations that employ professional staff to own and manage their lands. Land trusts can own thousands of acres. Most land trusts have charitable status.

Land trusts accept donations and bequests of land or conservation agreements and in some cases may purchase land or conservation agreements. The land is then permanently protected to preserve its conservation, heritage or agricultural values. Land trusts are supported with memberships and donations from generous residents in the community they serve.

Who owns a Land Trust?

There is no "owner" of a land trust. Everyone who shares an interest in the land trust and wants to become a member or supporter is welcome. The members elect a Board of Directors from the community who takes responsibility for the affairs of the land trust. Individuals and families from the community volunteer their time to ensure the success of the programs of the land trust.

Are Land Trusts government agencies?

No, they are independent, entrepreneurial organizations that work with private landowners on a voluntary basis who are interested in protecting open space. There are no political appointments to the Board and the land trust operates at arm's length with all levels of government or government agencies. Land trusts may work cooperatively with government agencies by partnering to acquire or manage land, researching open space needs and priorities, or assisting in the development of community open space plans.

Do Land Trusts own land?

Most land trusts own land and in some cases own thousands of acres of land. Depending on the objectives of the land trust and the importance to the community it serves, the land can have natural, recreational, scenic, historical or agricultural value. In many cases generous citizens will donate lands to their local land trust because they wish to see its conservation values protected for future generations to enjoy. Many land trusts will purchase lands important to their community using funds donated by generous citizens, corporations and foundations.

What is a conservation agreement?

A conservation agreement is a legal agreement between a land owner and a land trust that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its natural, historical or agricultural values. The landowner continues to own and may inhabit the land. The land can be sold or passed on to future generations. The conservation agreement remains in place forever and future development of the land must always follow the intent of the conservation agreement. Conservation agreements are known as covenants in British Columbia, servitudes in Québec and conservation easements in all other regions of Canada.