ACT QUICKLY! TAX INCENTIVES TO EXPIRE!
In 2006, Congress enacted significant changes to the Federal income tax incentives for conservation easement donations. The changes:
*Raised the deduction a landowner can take for donating a conservation easement from 30% of their income in any year to 50%;
* Allowed qualifying farmers and farm corporations to deduct up to 100% of their adjusted gross income; and
* Increased the number of years over which any donor can take those deductions from 6 years to 16 years beginning the year the donation is made.
Land Trust Awarded Accreditation Status
The Land Trust for Tennessee has been awarded accreditation status by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, the commission has announced. Across the nation, 18 other land trust organizations joined The Land Trust for Tennessee in gaining accredited status, bringing the national total to 78 accredited land trusts across the United States.
"“Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever,” said Commission Executive Director Tammara Van Ryn. “The accreditation seal lets the public know that the accredited land trust has undergone an extensive, external review of the governance and management of its organization and the systems and policies it uses to protect land.”
Land Trust Partners with Metro for Open Space Plan
This exciting project is a joint public/private effort between the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County and The Land Trust for Tennessee to inventory critical natural and cultural resources and create a long-term plan for conservation and development of these resources for use and adoption by various government departments and private conservation organizations.
Book Released: Natural and Cultural Resources of the Lick Creek Valley
We are very pleased to release the book "True Tennessee, Natural and Cultural Resources of the Lick Creek Valley, Hickman County." In 2008, The Land Trust teamed up with New South Associates to inventory the natural and cultural resources of northeast Hickman County, specifically the Lick Creek and Leatherwood watersheds.
Land Trust Honored with Trails and Trilliums Service Award
The Land Trust was the 2009 recipient of the Trails and Trilliums Service Award in appreciaton for efforts in preserving the South Cumberland. The Award was given on Saturday, April 18, 2009 as part of the Trails and Trilliums Celebration weekend.
Excellence in Natural Heritage Conservation
The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Natural Heritage Conservation went to The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Lost Cove Project. In February 2008, the Land Trust for Tennessee and the University of the South completed the purchase and permanent protection of nearly 3,000 acres on the South Cumberland Plateau in Franklin County from the American Timberland Corporation.
5500 Acres on Cumberland Plateau Preserved
A multi-million dollar land deal will preserve one of Tennessee's best-known scenic views, the cliff-hugging overlooks of the Cumberland Plateau's Savage Gulf. The Land Trust for Tennessee orchestrated obtaining nearly 5500 acres on the Cumberland Plateau from a timber company and private landowners.
Thoughtful Consideration to Glen Leven Estate
The Land Trust is giving thoughtful consideration to ideas on how best to preserve this treasure in our community.
