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About Land Trusts
KHLT uses creative, flexible conservation methods to achieve protection goals and meet the specific needs of the landowner. Many of the approaches described below offer income tax, estate tax, and property tax relief that help make conservation affordable.
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and the land trust that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect scenic or wildlife resources. Each easement is tailored to fit the specific property and the owner's personal development plans. No right of public access is conveyed through a conservation easement. The land stays in private ownership and use and KHLT ensures that the conservation restrictions are honored over time and through all subsequent changes in ownership.
A charitable remainder interest is an arrangement through which a landowner donates property, but reserves the right to continue to live on or use the property during his or her lifetime.
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A donation of land for conservation can be made by gift or through a will and guarantees that the property will be protected for its conservation values forever.
A bargain sale occurs when a property is sold for less than fair market value. When this property is sold to KHLT, the seller may receive significant income tax benefits.
Trade land is land donated to the land trust to be sold in order to generate money to promote its conservation program.
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KHLT also acquires trail easements to provide public access across private property to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities, and to date has built and maintains the Homestead Trail and the Calvin and Coyle Nature Trail and observation platform near Beluga Wetlands and accessable to Paul Banks Elementary School.
KHLT conducts a Summer Program of activities to help residents and visitors enjoy and appreciate the splendors of the Kachemak region. The schedule includes hikes on the Homestead Trail, beach walks, wetland tours , and visits to properties protected by KHLT conservation easements.
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