While there are various types of land trusts, this Q&A will focus on land trusts that operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for the purpose of preserving or protecting open space. This type of land trust is not a trust in the traditional legal definition, but rather a nonprofit, charitable organization which manages land either through outright ownership or conservation easements. Because these land trusts operate as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, landowners who donate land or sell their development rights to a land trust may enjoy certain tax benefits. A land trust may be on a national, regional, or local level, and can serve different purposes for the land it manages. For example, land trusts can be created for conservation purposes, such as protecting wildlife habitats or wetlands, or community preservation purposes, such as preserving historic sites or farmland. With the varying goals of each land trust, the terms of land trust agreements with landowners will differ depending on the needs of the area. 

Nonprofit land trusts are 501(c)(3) charitable organizations that protect land for conservation and preservation purposes. Through tools like conservation easements and restricted deeds, nonprofit land trusts are a great resource to protect open space while providing benefits to landowners.  

Land trusts vary on what type of property they preserve. They develop and use criteria that allow them to focus on important aspects of land, such as riparian buffers, critical species habitat, endangered species, wildlife corridors, range land, and agricultural lands. 

Park County Land Trust (PCLT) is a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit, created in 2024 with the mission to conserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Park County, Montana. We are proud to be the first land trust specifically focused on this extraordinary region.

PCLT will work with local communities and governments to conserve future parkland for the public benefit. There are many criteria to consider, and if you are interested, we would love to have a conversation with you.

For additional information please email us using the form below or call 406.220.4221.

You can call us at any time, send an email or fill out the form on our Contact Us page.

Visit our “How Do I Preserve My Property?” page to learn more about what the process entails.

Yes, you can! The process of donating your property to a land trust can depend on several factors, and we’d love to talk more about it. Please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.