Why Protect Land

There are many reasons why it is important to protect local lands. Here are just a few:

To preserve what is unique about our region for all time. Southeast Michigan is blessed with beautiful natural areas, rich productive soil, and deep historical roots. In Washtenaw County alone, over 50% of the land—some 250,000 acres—is neither developed nor protected. The ultimate story of this land is not yet written. Through careful planning and prudent protection, we can ensure that what is precious and unique in our community is never lost.
To support the economic health of our community. Productive family farms, stretches of pristine wilderness, and stunning scenic highways all contribute to a healthy local economy. Learn more about the Cost of Community Services study authored by the Conservancy.
To protect the environment. Land that is conserved, not paved, contributes to cleaner air, cleaner water, and healthier soil. Nature does all these jobs “for free,” as long as it is allowed to run its course.
To take advantage of unique tax incentives. Protecting a piece of property can have significant federal, state, and local tax advantages for landowners and their families. In some instances, the income tax, property tax, and/or estate tax savings involved can make the difference between keeping a family farm or losing it forever. Learn more about Tax Benefits of Conservation Agreements.
To leave a gift for future generations to come. A land protection agreement is more than just a legal document. It is a solemn promise to defend the land you cherish for all time. As the oldest local land trust in Michigan, and one of the first in the country to be accredited, the Legacy Land Conservancy has taken that promise seriously since 1971. When you protect your land, you can rest assured that when we say forever, we mean just that—forever.

Fortunately, we’re not alone in wanting to protect land. The Land Trust Alliance notes that there are over 1,600 conservancies around the country, and the rate of land protection has been increasing every year. A recent editorial in the New York Times also noted that, on Election Day 2008, voters across the country voted to spend a total of $7.3 billion dollars on parks and open space preservation.

You can hear some of our landowners talk about land protection in their own words.

Our Priorities

The Conservancy’s overall goal – which we refer to as our 100 Year Vision – is to protect 25,000 acres of the most important local lands in the next generation. That’s 10% of the unprotected land in Washtenaw County right now.

The Conservancy’s highest priorities are as follows:

Natural areas in and around the Waterloo-Pinckney-Sharonville arc. The Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest park in Michigan, with over 20,000 acres open to the public. By protecting privately owned lands in and around the parks, unspoiled natural habitat, natural beauty and public recreation are all supported. “Beauty of Waterloo” Driving Tour Map (pdf)
Farmland in Southwest Washtenaw county. Farming has changed drastically in the last forty years and will continue to evolve in the years to come. Securing the land itself in contiguous blocks will ensure that this region’s proud agricultural heritage will continue, adapting to changes in the marketplace.
Lands critical to protecting our water resources. This would include: land along the banks of the Huron, Saline and Raisin rivers; the land along the streams and creeks that feed these rivers (headwaters); wetlands; and probable groundwater recharge areas.

The Legacy Land Conservancy welcomes everyone with questions about land protection to give us a call. We’ll be happy to discuss your situation with you, since every piece of land is unique.

View the 100 Year Vision strategic plan fact sheet; Priorities Map PDF.