Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy

What is a Land Trust?

A land trust is a nonprofit organization that works to conserve land primarily through the purchase or acceptance of donations of land or conservation agreements. Most land trusts serve a community, region, or state, although some work nationally. The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy primarily serves Albany, Schenectady, and Montgomery counties.

How Can I Protect My Land?

By working with a nonprofit land trust like the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, you can decide the best way to protect your land. MHLC can help if you would like to donate a conservation easement or your property outright. You can also purchase a copy of Conservation Options: A Landowners Guide for $8 by calling our office at 436-6346. It’s an excellent resource for those thinking about land protection.

What is a Conservation Easement?

A conservation easement is a tool often used by land trusts in cooperation with property owners to preserve land. A conservation easement is a legal agreement made between a land owner and a land trust to restrict the type and amount of development that may take place on a piece of property. A conservation easement offers several advantages: - The landowner retains ownership of the land with the right to live on it, sell it, or pass it on to heirs. - Conservation easements are tailored to meet the needs of individual pieces of land as well as individual land owners. - The donation of a conservation easement that meets federal tax code requirements by permanently protecting important conservation resources can qualify as a tax-deductible charitable donation. - Conservation easements benefit the community as a whole by preserving open space. Studies show that open space demands far less in services than it pays in tax dollars whereas developed land takes out much more in services than it puts in. - The primary benefit of a conservation easement to a property owner interested in preserving his or her land is, of course, the permanent protection of the land.

Is There Land Locally that I Can Use?

Yes! The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy has eleven preserves that are open to the public and have trails available for use. Click here for a list of our preserves and information about each one.

Where Does the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy get its Funding?

The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy is funded through a combination of private donations, special events, endowment and grants. In 2007 81% of our support came from individuals and businesses. By the end of 2008 we had over 500 members contributing their time and money to MHLC.

Are Donations Tax Deductible?

The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization. Your donations are fully deductible to the extent limited by the law.

How Can I Get Involved with the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy?

We need volunteer help in every aspect of our work. Volunteer opportunities range from trail maintenance to office assistance. Also, if you have a professional skill you’d like to offer like title searches, botany and/or wildlife background, environmental expertise, etc. we’d also love to speak with you. Call us at 436-6346 or email at mhlc@mohawkhudson.org.

How Can I Donate to the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy?

Click here!