Amber Schram

Sometimes large parcels of land or waterfront properties can be a challenge for both buyers and sellers.  In our area of Northwest Lower Michigan we have an entity that could be a help with those types of properties.  The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy services Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Manistee counties.  Their mission is quite simply: to protect natural, scenic, and farm lands now and forever.  They do this in a variety of ways, by accepting donations of land, conservation easements or in some cases purchasing of land through donations and grants.  To date they have protected over 30,000 acres and 60 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline in the area.  Some advantages of a conservation easement:

They leave the property in the ownership of the land owner.

Significally lower estate taxes, in addtion can provide income tax and in some cases property tax benefits.

They are flexible, can be written to meet the needs of the landowner.

They are permanent, remaining in force when the land changes hands.

Land conservation easements or donations are a great way to protect the natural resources for our future generations, in addition to enjoying some tax benefits.  Read more about the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy at www.gtrlc.org .