Preserve Your Land
There are many ways to leave a conservation legacy in Hopkinton. Every protected property strengthens the future of our community, and we’re here to help explore the right path for you.
The Hopkinton Land Trust evaluates potential acquisitions individually to ensure the property aligns with its mission and conservation goals. This process includes a visit to the property, due diligence regarding the title, and surveying of the land.
Options for Landowners
Conservation Easements
A conservation easement is one of the most effective and flexible tools for permanently protecting private land. With a conservation easement, landowners retain ownership of their property while voluntarily placing permanent restrictions on its use to preserve its natural, agricultural, or scenic value. Each agreement is tailored to the land and the goals of the landowner—while typically limiting development, many easements allow continued farming, forestry, or recreational use. Easements do not require public access, and may include designated areas for structures or other specific uses.
Conservation easements “run with the land,” meaning they remain in place even if the property is sold or passed down to future generations. The Hopkinton Land Trust takes on the responsibility of annually monitoring each easement to ensure its terms are upheld and to stay in touch with landowners about any land management needs. By donating a conservation easement, landowners may also be eligible for significant tax benefits.
Land Donation
A land donation can be structured several ways in order to meet the donor's goals. Direct donations transfer full ownership of the property to the Land Trust, allowing for its permanent protection and stewardship. Donations of future ownership, where the Land Trust assumes control after the donor's lifetime, and gifts made through a will are also options. In some cases, neighbors may join together to conserve a shared area. No matter the method, land donations help ensure the land is cared for in perpetuity, and the donor may receive tax benefits as well. If you're considering a land donation, we'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how it can help further conservation efforts in Hopkinton.
Bargain Sale
A bargain sale is a unique opportunity for landowners to sell their property at less than its fair market value. This approach makes the property more affordable for the Land Trust while providing tax benefits to the seller. By selling the property at a reduced price, the seller can qualify for a charitable deduction based on the difference between the sale price and the appraised fair market value, potentially resulting in significant tax savings. Bargain sales are an effective way to protect land while helping to stretch limited conservation dollars, benefiting both the landowner and the community. Depending on the financial circumstances and other factors, a bargain sale can often yield net revenue comparable to a full market value sale, with the added benefit of knowing the land will be preserved for future generations.
