Kansas Land Trust

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Summer 2008 - "In Full Air" (464 KB)

Please enjoy our most recent edition of Stewardship Notes. One of our past Executive Directors, Laurie Ward, writes an informative, enthusiastic and delightful article on "en plein air" painting. Elizabeth Schultz continues her series "Senses of Place." And, our new Executive Director, Jason Fizell, introduces himself.

 

The Kansas Land Trust is dedicated to conserving: natural ecosystems, farm and ranch lands, scenic open spaces, and to preserving outdoor recreational opportunities and the historic uses of land which are vital to maintain the quality of life and economic and environmental well-being of Kansans.

Private property owners who know and love their land can provide for its permanent stewardship in partnership with the Kansas Land Trust. Owners can preserve a single special feature on their land, define appropriate limitations on its development, or conserve an entire landscape.

Landowners or not, all are welcome to be important Kansas Land Trust participants. KLT thrives on the energy, expertise, skills, and contacts provided by members and volunteers. Contributions help cover the expenses of educating property owners, carrying out land protection efforts, and raising public awareness of KLT's mission.

Conservation Strategies
Landowners may choose from a variety of legal strategies to protect their property through the Kansas Land Trust. Conservation easements, land donations, and bargain sales are ways to permanently transfer protection responsibilities to KLT-either now, or as part of an estate plan.

While all Kansans benefit from preservation of natural surroundings, participating landowners can benefit more directly. Landowners may significantly lower their income and estate taxes, and local taxes may also be affected. In addition, landowners gain assurance that their cherished lands will be watched over beyond their lifetimes-all property accepted for protection by KLT will be safeguarded in perpetuity.

Conservation Easements
A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and an organization that restricts the type and amount of development that may take place on the landowner’s property. Each easement is tailored to fit the needs of the property and the landowner’s intention for its use. The ownership of the property does not change hands; the landowner grants the easement to an appropriate party such as the Kansas Land Trust, which in turn agrees to monitor the management of the land to guarantee that the wishes of the landowner are upheld. The terms of a conservation easement become a permanent part of the title to the property. As with any easement, the original owner and all subsequent owners are bound by the restrictions of the easement agreement.

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