Learn

FAQs

• Is the Land Trust a government agency?

  No. The land trust is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

• Are land trusts a new thing?

  No. There are over 1,700 land trusts working to save land across the country. Some have been around for more than 50 years.

• Why would a landowner want to conserve their land?

  Many landowners value the benefits of land conservation for current and future generations, including preservation of wildlife habitat, the history and rural character of our community, and protection of water quality and the local economy. Though conservation easements limit the development potential of the land, conserving land often protects property values into the future.

• What is a conservation easement?

  A conservation easement is a legal agreement between the landowner and the land trust that limits certain mutually agreed upon uses of the land to protect its conservation values. Landowners continue to own and manage their land. The property can be sold or passed on to heirs. An easement may apply to all or a portion of the property and does not require public access. The terms of the conservation easement stay with the deed and are upheld by the land trust forever.

  NWALT is responsible for enforcing the terms of every easement it holds. Therefore, the land trust coordinates with current landowners and monitors the property annually to determine that the terms of the conservation easement are being upheld.

• What is a land preserve?

  Preserves are properties either owned by the Land Trust or our partners which are open to the public for outdoor recreation and education and are permanently protected by the Land Trust.

• Is there a minimum acreage the Land Trust will conserve?

  No. Properties are considered based on their conservation value, not on size alone.

• Does the Land Trust purchase easements?

  Depending on funding, easements can be purchased, but they are usually donated. If the donation benefits the public by permanently protecting important conservation resources and meets other federal tax code requirements, it can qualify as a tax-deductible charitable donation. Generally, the amount of donation, is the difference between the land’s value with the easement and its value without the easement.

• How is the Land Trust funded?

  The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust is a nonprofit organization reliant on support from individual donors, foundations, corporate sponsors and community partners. Membership matters.

• Does the Land Trust purchase land?

  Yes, when the Land Trust has funding to buy land or easements, but it is not a gurantee.

• What does it mean to be accredited?

  Being accredited through the Land Trust Alliance means we follow strict land trust standards and practices. It is a mark of distinction, showing that a land trust meets high standards for land conservation. It sends a message to landowners and supporters: “Invest in us. We are a strong, effective organization you can trust to conserve your land trust forever.”

• Are volunteer opportunities available?

  Yes! Whether you are interested in leading hikes, working on the land or helping in the office, we welcome your gift of time! We can also accommodate corporate volunteering. Contact us to learn more.

• Are Land Trust properties open to the public?

  Yes, some of the properties the land trust conserves are open to the public and we continually seek new projects suitable for public use. In addition, the land trust provides regular opportunities to get outdoors, including guided field trips, school trips, citizen science projects, volunteer days and recreational outings. Contact us for more information!

• How can I support your work?

  We appreciate a variety of support from the community. Donating land or an easement to the land trust will help our core mission. In addition, one of the best ways to help is to support us financially – click here to make a donation! We also need volunteers to help with office tasks, habitat cleanups and even photography!