What is a Land Trust?

A land trust is a non-profit, voluntary organization that works hand in hand with landowners using a variety of tools that permanently restrict some uses of the land. The tool-kit includes conservation easements, land donations and purchases, and strategic estate planning, in order to protect America's conservation rich open spaces and green places, which are increasingly threatened by sprawl and development.  Local, regional and national lands trusts are helping communities save America's land heritage without relying exclusively on the deep pockets of government.

Conservation Tools

The tools of the trade for Five Valleys Land Trust are conservation easements, facilitation of public land acquisitions, and on-the-ground stewardship activities that improve the health and vitality of the land. For further information please see our brochure, "Voluntary Conservation Agreements ~ A Guide to Conservation Easements".

Working with Private Landowners

Private landowners who share in our vision are the lifeblood of Five Valleys. It is those landowners, their love of the land and their commitment to wise stewardship that provides the spark to ignite our efforts. And it is their dedication and perseverance that enables us to see each project through to completion.  We strive to assist landowners in achieving their personal vision for the future of their land. We listen carefully to landowners’ desires and plans for their land. We walk the land with them to learn about its unique character. And we work hard to help design solutions that fit their personal situations. Five Valleys’ goal with every landowner is to build a solid, interactive relationship, one that is based on trust, and one that will stand the test of time. We believe that kind of relationship is absolutely essential to achieving long-lasting and truly meaningful conservation.