Conservation Easements

[Spearchunker]

Anyone here take advantage or have any experience with these?

I asked both my CPAs and CPA friend, they didnt know much about them. I have two friends now that go this route and say its legit.

If its really 4x credit why doesn't everyone do it?

What say you?

Sean

[12RingKing]

What is it exactly?

[Razrbk89]

Quite a few people up here have put low fields into WRP or CRP over the years. Definitely makes sense in areas where you have a hard time getting a crop in or out frequently, especially if you like to hunt!

I'm not an expert, but some conservation easements plans can really bind you up on future use.

[Aggiechick]

Conservation easements are just that, you are stating that you will not develop or farm (typically no farming is allowed) the property in perpetuity hence conserving the property as it stands.

[KoonceCrushed]

Conservation easements are just that, you are stating that you will not develop or farm (typically no farming is allowed) the property in perpetuity hence conserving the property as it stands.

I have a good friend whose job is to meet with and acquire new tracts of land.

He works for the Nature Conservancy. IF you are truly interested I can put you into contact with him.

https://www.facebook.com/thenatureconservancy/?ref=br_rs

[texashunter56]

If you are ever thinking about re-selling the place then do your research now.

[SS75]

If you are ever thinking about re-selling the place then do your research now.

^
Exactly! Conservation easements are perpetual... Basically the only thing you have left is liability and a place to hunt. I had to put one on 185 acres for mitigation purposes at work, we can't even cut a tree on it. Even if you don't plan on selling it, think about what you do before you saddle your kids with a piece of property they can't sell, or can't sell for much.

[Spearchunker]

Sorry guys i should have been clearer. I understand the property portion.

I am curious about funding one through an agency and reaping the tax credits. There are firms that take your money for said land and issue you the tax credit.

[Fishy]

Conservation easements are just that, you are stating that you will not develop or farm (typically no farming is allowed) the property in perpetuity hence conserving the property as it stands.

On one particular property in Montana the easement allows continued farming and ranching, but only in ways that are considered responsible methods that don't destroy or overuse the land. Can't have more cows or horses than the property can adequately support. The owner agrees to allow studies to be conducted on the land (possibly every ten years)by scientists and other folks to determine if the land is still being maintained responsibly.

On the streams the owner is limited to a set number of access points for livestock. No commercial firewood production. No new buildings allowed, unless approved by the group that overseas the easement approves. There are many other details in this particular easement that I left out.

[RiverRat1]

Sorry guys i should have been clearer. I understand the property portion.

I am curious about funding one through an agency and reaping the tax credits. There are firms that take your money for said land and issue you the tax credit.

On one particular property in Montana the easement allows continued farming and ranching, but only in ways that are considered responsible methods that don't destroy or overuse the land. Can't have more cows or horses than the property can adequately support. The owner agrees to allow studies to be conducted on the land (possibly every ten years)by scientists and other folks to determine if the land is still being maintained responsibly.

On the streams the owner is limited to a set number of access points for livestock. No commercial firewood production. No new buildings allowed, unless approved by the group that overseas the easement approves. There are many other details in this particular easement that I left out.

I have 150 acres that's like this. I don't understand how to make money off it though.

[TacticalCowboy]

Go talk to your local NRCS/FSA office. They'll line you out.

[hardtner]

http://advancedecology.com

These guys are the pros you need to talk to. Located in Center, TX but work all over doing projects.

[fullsizeaggie]

I can answer some questions possibly, I am most familiar with the City of San Antonio's Easement Program.

At recent meetings with NRCS, they said there is a serious lacking in easements. Meaning they have tons of funding for certain easements. Most of those are short term leases as well.

[NightStalker]

What it is: Basically, a private-non-profit agency buys the surface development rights of your property, typically for 10 cents or 25 cents on the dollar. You may retain the mineral rights. New buildings or roads are prohibited. You stop paying property taxes on it. You and your heirs still have the use of the property for hunting, camping, or stargazing.

The Conservation Fund is the most active agency in Texas that does this. They do not take on every parcel offered. They have minimum size requirements, and wont take on a previously polluted site. They may require the removal of junk or wrecked buildings before they will take on the parcel.

Once converted, a conservation easement is 'in perpetuity', so no going back.