What are Land Trusts?
Land trusts are nonprofit organizations that protect natural and cultural resources so as to conserve land, in the public interest. They do this through conservation easements, land acquisition, and education. Most land trusts (such as EALT) are private charitable corporations, although some are governmental agencies.
A key sign of a land trust is the direct action they take to protect the local land base, and that they hold those lands or conservation easements in trust for future generations. And they not only hold the land or conservation easements, but they engage in stewardship of these lands.
Land trusts and conservancies are generally local in scope and operation (like EALT), but they may also be provincial, regional or even national (e.g., Ducks Unlimited or the Nature Conservancy of Canada).
Most land trusts focus on conserving the ecological values of land, but in other locations land trusts have been established to protect scenic, historical, agricultural, and recreational lands as well as water.
Land trusts are supported by donations and support from generous residents in the community they serve.
Land trusts create public benefit through education programs, community services, and the creation of passive recreational opportunities, thereby improving the quality of life for all citizens.