One of the most altruistic things anyone can do with their land is to obtain a conservation easement. A conservation easement is a voluntary way to limit rights on the property for conservation purposes.
Anyone interested in getting a conservation easement on their property should get an appraisal to determine the difference between the fair market value of the unencumbered property and the property encumbered with a conservation easement (known as a before and after appraisal). If the conservation easement is being sold to a land trust or another agency an appraisal will help determine the dollar value for fair compensation. If the conservation easement is being donated, an appraisal will help determine the charitable contribution value for tax purposes.
Lake State Realty’s Certified General Appraisal experts routinely perform conservation easement appraisals. We have a long track record of working with various land trusts, tax advisors, attorneys, and land owners to complete fair market value conservation easement appraisals. We have experience completing qualified conservation easement appraisals that are compliant with the IRS Publication 561 and IRS Form 8283 for charitable donations of real property, and per the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (UASFLA or Yellow Book) for land trust or government acquisition.
Conservation Easement Appraisal
Regardless of your motivation, be it funding, acquisition of property rights, ecological, or altruistic, our experts are here to help you with your conservation easement appraisal needs.
The practical importance of the preservation of our forests is augmented by their relations to climate, soil and streams.
John Muir