Our Impact

How We Save Land

Conservation Easements

Conservation easements are voluntary legal agreements that permanently limit certain activities on the land in order to protect its unique conservation features. Property covered by an easement remains in private ownership and can be sold or passed on to heirs. The conservation easement stays with the land regardless of ownership. The land trust also monitors and upholds the terms of the  easement in perpetuity. Public access is not required.

Land Donations

Land donations are an attractive option for those families who wish to relieve the burden of land ownership or are uncertain about the future of their land. All or a portion of the property may be deeded to the land trust as a preserve. The land trust manages and protects the donated land, including necessary habitat restoration, and to maintain the property’s natural qualities. Preserves can be named by or after the landowner who donates them. Public access is optional, but not required.

Permanent Land Protection

When the land trust accepts a conservation easement or a land donation, it takes on the responsibility of ensuring that the terms of the easement and intent of the land donor are upheld. We value our partnerships with landowners and maintain good relations by answering questions and requests, as well as serving as a resource for land management issues. For donated preserves, the land trust drafts and follows a written land management plan specific to the property.

It is the responsibility of the land trust to monitor, steward, and, when necessary, legally defend the places we protect in perpetuity. Maintaining adequate financial reserves for long-term land stewardship and defense is a top priority for the land trust, now and always.​

The land trust is prepared to respond to potential violations on the lands it protects, and is financially prepared to legally defend those properties should a violation or legal challenge ever occur. As an Accredited Land Trust, national standards, including established policies, procedures and financial oversight, govern the permanent land protection activities of the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust.