Frequently Asked Questions - Benefits of Conservation

What are the benefits to conserving land?

There are numerous benefits that come from conserving land through the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, including:

Are there tax benefits associated with land protection?

There may be income, estate,  and property tax benefits for donating your land, donating a conservation easement, or selling the property as a "bargain sale" at below market value. The amount and type of tax benefits depends on a variety of factors, including the legal tool you've used to protect your land, the value of the donation, your income level and the total amount of your estate. You should consult with a financial advisor and/or an attorney to fully understand the tax implications.

What are the economic impacts to my community of conserving natural areas?

Many reports have shown that conserving natural areas in communities around the U.S. attracts jobs, enhances property values, and saves in government costs.

What effect could land conservation have on global warming?

Protected forests have a clear role in cleaning the air of carbon dioxide (CO2), a process called carbon sequestration. Trees and vegetation remove CO2 during photosynthesis and store carbon in leaves, branches, bark, roots and soil. The carbon sink provided by forests, grasslands, croplands and wetlands offsets 12.5% of annual greenhouse gas emissions in the United States [1].