Why Conserve Land?

TAX DEDUCTION FOR CONSERVING YOUR LAND RENEWED!

Congress just renewed a tax incentive for private landowners who protect their land with a voluntary conservation agreement.

Conservation-minded landowners now have until December 31, 2011 to take advantage of a significant tax deduction for donating a voluntary conservation agreement to permanently protect important natural or historic resources on their land.

For more information, download this brochure from the Land Trust Alliance, and contact your financial advisor. You may also want to visit the Land Trust Alliance website.

Why Conserve Land?

Land supports life. Land that is undeveloped keeps air and water clean for living things. That land, with its grasses and forests and rocky hillsides, filters toxins, pollution, and foreign matter from those elements necessary for life.

Land supports livelihoods. In particular, the scenic beauty of the Thousand Islands attracts people who want to live here, and to visit here. Those people build houses, buy goods & services, rent hotel rooms and generally support the economy of the region.

Land supports wildlife. Many species are experiencing a loss of habitat because of increased development or changes in agricultural practices. Conserving land in its natural state protects wildlife habitats and species populations.

Land provides recreation. The modern world is full of stresses and demands on our time. We have to carve out opportunities to be with family, to have fun and to achieve balance in our daily lives. The recreational opportunities provided by a natural landscape – hiking and biking, swimming and kayaking – are essential to a healthy lifestyle.

Conserving Your Land

Stewardship

Restoration

Estate Planning & Tax Information

Economic Benefits for the Community

Preservation of Open Space has numerous economic benefits to a community and region. Read the statement from the New York State Comptroller's Office.

Most of Oak Island’s over 400 acres are under conservation easement.

Property protected by easement is not always open to the public. Most such properties, including Oak, are privately owned.