Offer of Purchased Conservation Easement

Maine Coast Heritage Trust staff uses this document in its land conservation efforts. It is designed for internal MCHT use, and is provided here as a reference or guide. Each land trust has its own mission, priorities, and organizational characteristics that should direct how it does its work and what documents it uses.Please feel free to use the ideas, processes, and even specific text contained in this document, but be sure to tailor them for your organization. Land trusts should always use a lawyer knowledgeable in land transactions when working on a conservation easement or preserve acquisition. MCHT does not guarantee or provide advice as to the tax consequences of any project or action.

OFFER OF PURCHASED CONSERVATION EASEMENT

Committee Approval Date: N/A Board Approval Date: N/A

PROJECT NAME:

GENERAL INFORMATION:

County: Town:

Acreage: Shore frontage:

Owner(s):

Partner Organization(s):

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:

General:

Existing Development:

Present Use:

Community Description:

BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION INCLUDING LANDOWNER GOALS:

DESCRIPTION OF CONSERVATION VALUES/PUBLIC BENEFIT(S):

FIT WITH LAND CONSERVATION CRITERIA:

CRITERIA #1

CRITERIA #2

CRITERIA #3

BRIEF SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COVENANTS:

DUE DILIGENCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Are there other appropriate or possible Holder organizations?

Why is our land trust the best Holder?

How does this fit with Government Land Use Plans or Ordinances?

Are local economical impacts acceptable?

STEWARDSHIP CONSIDERATIONS:

Are the restrictions enforceable?

Total stewardship funds required (estimate to cover this holding’s one time up-front costs plus ongoing yearly expenses (through interest generated):

Anticipated stewardship funding amount and sources:

Are the boundaries adequately defined?

Any encumbrances, easements or rights of way?

FUNDRAISING CONSIDERATIONS:

Is this a priority land protection project in this town/region? How does this project fit into regional land protection efforts?

Is the project fundraising strategy feasible?

Is there an active community member or Board member leading the charge?

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Property Taxes

Current Property Taxes:

Current Tax Status:

TOTAL PROJECT COST:

Other Considerations/Issues worth mention:

Recommendation:

Prepared by: Date:

1/1/2011