Protect Your Land

If the property is located in Grand County and has Conservation Values that qualifies it for conservation purposes, and the landowner is interested in pursuing a conservation easement on the property, the landowner can contact the Colorado Headwaters Land Trust at (970) 887-1177, email us at info@ coloradoheadwaterslandtrust.org or stop by the office in Granby at 52 North First Street to discuss an easement.

What is a conservation easement?Potential tax benefits

1. Landowners should first learn about conservation easements, discuss the merits of donating a conservation easement with their family.
2. Landowners considering a conservation easement on their property are strongly encouraged to obtain their own financial, tax and legal advice. Colorado Headwaters Land Trust does not guarantee the qualification of any Conservation Easement or any payment made to Colorado Headwaters Land Trust for any tax deduction or tax credit purposes.
3. Once a landowner decides to place a conservation easement on his/her property with the Colorado Headwaters Land Trust:
   • The landowner and a staff member of Colorado Headwaters Land Trust make a site visit the property together to discuss the purposes of the conservation easement and the conservation values to be protected.
   • Staff and Board of Directors of Colorado Headwaters Land Trust review the project to determine if the property qualifies for a conservation easement.
   • Colorado Headwaters Land Trust reviews the title to the property to insure there are no impediments to creating the easement. Any mortgages on the property must be subordinated to the easement.
   • The landowner contracts with a qualified consultant to prepare the Baseline Documentation Report, a qualified real estate appraiser to value the conservation easement and others as necessary.
   • The Colorado Headwaters Land Trust prepares the draft Deed of Conservation Easement and works with the landowner on the terms of the easement.
   • The landowner and Colorado Headwaters Land Trust will work together to ensure all necessary documents are completed and acceptable to both parties prior to executing the Deed of Conservation Easement.
   • Once signed by the landowner and the land trust, the Deed is recorded in the public records of Grand County at the courthouse in Hot Sulphur Springs.
   • Colorado Headwaters Land Trust works with the landowner and/or landowner’s accountant to complete the IRS Form 8283 for Non-Cash Charitable Contributions, which must be submitted with the landowner’s tax return.

In Grand County, funds are available for landowners interested in pursuing a conservation easement. The passage of Ballot Issue 1A (Open Lands, Rivers and Trails Fund) established a fund that landowners can use to protect their land and water with a conservation easement. There are also other funding sources available for eligible properties. CHLT can help you identify and apply for funding that will enable you to reduce the cost of a conservation easement and protect your land in perpetuity. Let’s keep Grand County grand!