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Steps in Conserving Your Property
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Initial Landowner Meeting -
Township representatives will meet with you to talk about your
interest and ideas and to answer any questions. In West Pikeland,
the representative will usually be from WPLT, acting as Open Space
Advisor to the township.
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Property Appraisal - If you and the
township agree to work on a conservation easement, the township will
pay for an appraisal of your property. The appraisal format must
meet particular requirements and may include a a yield analysis
which assists the appraiser in determining the number of lots the
property could sustain. The appraiser will visit the property, take
photographs, and prepare the appraisal. This process usually takes
1-2 months.
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Board of Supervisors Meeting - The
Board of Supervisors will meet to discuss the appraisal and whether
township funds may be spent to purchase development rights and place
a conservation easement on your property.
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Follow Up Landowner Meeting - The
township representative will meet with you to discuss the board's
decision, review options, and discuss next steps.
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Choosing a Non-Profit Partner - If
the township provides funding for an easement acquisition, it will
be co-holder of the conservation easement with a non-profit
conservation organization that will be responsible for managing the
easement. You choose the land trust that will manage and monitor the
easement, such as West Pikeland Land Trust,
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust,
North American Land
Trust,
Brandywine Conservancy, or
Natural Lands Trust, just to name a few.
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Completing the Easement - The
land trust will prepare a proposal including cost estimates and will
meet with you together with the township representative. Examples of
some typical costs include title report and insurance, property
appraisal, legal expenses, survey, environmental assessment, and
stewardship endowment The proposal will become the easement
agreement once all parties have agreed to its terms.
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Grant Application - The
designated land trust will also prepare and submit a grant
application to the state and county for funds to help cover the cost
of the development rights. It may take several months to learn
whether funding has been approved.
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Tax Considerations - Donating a
conservation easement or donating a portion of the easement's value
may qualify you for a tax deduction. You should consult a
professional tax advisor for more information.
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