Some of the Frequently Asked Questions We Get Asked

What is a land trust?

A land trust is a private, nonprofit organization that actively works to conserve land by undertaking or assisting in land acquisition or conservation easement acquisition, or by its stewardship of such land or easements. Land trusts have been in existence since 1891. However, it is only in the last three decades that land trusts began to proliferate, and they now form one of the fastest-growing and most successful conservation movements in American history. In Rhode Island, there are over 45 land trusts. About 18 of them are “municipal” land trusts, meaning land trusts organized, funded, and staffed by the town or municipal government in which they reside. The rest are private land trusts, like the Tiverton Land Trust.

How does the Tiverton Land Trust Preserve Land?

The Tiverton Land Trust is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit private land trust in the Town of Tiverton. We acquire land to protect it from development and then work to maintain the land in a natural state for future generations.

What is a conservation or agricultural easement?

Conservation and agricultural easements are legal agreements, similar to a contract between a landowner and a qualified organization such as a land trust. The easement restricts future activities on the land to protect the land’s conservation values while also allowing the landowner to continue owning the land. The landowner still owns the property and is able to sell the property, deed the property or modify the property according to the tenets of the easement.

Are there tax benefits to preserving land?

Yes, a landowner who donates a conservation easement or land to a land trust, and meets certain criteria, may realize income tax benefits, property tax benefits, and/or estate tax benefits. Landowners are urged to check with their legal and tax advisers. Contact us if you would like to discuss protecting your land for future generations.

How is the Tiverton Land Trust funded?

Without the funding support of people like you, we would not be able to do our work. The Tiverton Land Trust is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization reliant on support from individual donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and community partners. In addition to private individual contributions, we rely on state and federal grants and contributions from like-minded conservation organizations.

What does it mean to be an accredited land trust?

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 count on to conserve your land in trust forever.”

Are there any opportunities to volunteer?

Yes! Our board is 100% volunteer and we have been gratefully supported by a dedicated legion of volunteers for almost everything we have ever accomplished. But there is always more that we can do. Whether you are interested in leading hikes, working on the land, or joining one of our committees, we welcome your gift of time! We can also accommodate corporate volunteering. Contact us to learn more.

How can I help?

We rely on support from our 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 land management, habitat cleanups, special event, and more.