DONATE YOUR LAND
Protect your legacy forever
The VLT Land Committee and staff work tirelessly to identify local lands that meet our conservation criteria and are located in our interest area. There are many options for land protection, from conservation easements to fee title sales to donations.
If you own parcel(s) of land that you wish to preserve forever, we are happy to discuss your different options so that you can make an informed decision. We are also grateful to accept property that may not meet our conservation criteria, but which may have potential for other uses, or can be sold to help increase our capacity to purchase land in the future. This is an ideal way to include VLT in your estate plans.
If you have land that you would like to see preserved for the benefit of Ventura's future, please call Chris Chaleunrath, Development Director, at 805-643-8044 ext 701 or email chris.chaleunrath@venturalandtrust.org to discuss the possibility.
OPTIONS FOR DONATIONS OF LAND FOR CONSERVATION
Fee Simple:
Fee Simple Conservation is a direct donation of private owned open space to Ventura Land Trust for conservation purposes. This is particularly applicable if there are sensitive natural resources on the land, if the landowner would like their land to be maintained as a preserve, or as part of estate planning. In Fee Simple Conservation, landowners do not maintain ownership, although VLT is able to tailor terms to the needs of the donors and their estate plans. In contrast to a conservation easement, where specific land use restrictions are placed, Fee Simple Conservation involves the complete transfer of ownership to Ventura Land Trust.
Conservation Easement:
Conservation easements are a common way to protect land, involving a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a land trust. They offer flexibility while ensuring permanent protection against development. Easements may vary, prohibiting development on wildlife habitats or allowing farming with additional structures. Landowners can sell or donate easements, potentially qualifying for tax deductions based on the land's value difference. Other options include donating or selling property, development rights, or engaging in a bargain sale with a land trust.
