Selling a conservation easement to Solano Land Trust

As a first step, Solano Land Trust provides the landowner with a simple application. Then Solano Land Trust will arrange a visit to the property to discuss the program and any questions or concerns the landowner may have. If both parties decide to proceed there will be a series of discussions between Solano Land Trust, the landowner, and their respective legal and financial advisors regarding the specific terms of the conservation easement. A written independent appraisal of the value of the conservation easement is done by a mutually agreed upon appraiser. Selling a conservation easement can take up to 18 months or longer, in part because Solano Land Trust applies for grants to purchase an easement.

Donating a conservation easement to Solano Land Trust

Conservation easements may be donated on land that is habitat to rare or endangered, or other unique species; open space; parkland; oak woodlands; forests; wildlife corridors; and agricultural lands. The steps taken are similar to those described above for an easement sale. However, donating a conservation easement has significant tax advantages. Please contact Solano Land Trust for more information.

Potential conservation easement acquisitions are evaluated by:

• Economic viability and capacity
• Degree of threat
• Political and policy status
• Collateral values
• Other factors

For more information contact Audrey Kitzes at (707) 432-0150 x206 or audrey@solanolandtrust.org.