Protecting Your Land with Easements and Ducks Unlimited

As a landowner interested in conservation, you want to get the full potential from your land. But how? Ducks Unlimited just might have the answer. DU’s Conservation Easements Program ─ one of the most effective methods we use to protect North America’s valuable natural resources ─ is a partnership between DU and landowners that benefits conservation while giving you the chance to leave a legacy with your property.

So how exactly do easements work? Easements are voluntary legal agreements made between DU and property owners restricting, but not eliminating, the type and amount of development that may take place on the property. Since close to 75 percent of America’s wetlands are on private lands, this partnership plays a critical role in DU’s conservation mission. The benefits of easements for conservation might seem clear, but those benefits extend significantly to you as well.

As part of the partnership established with the Ducks Unlimited Wetlands America Trust through easements, landowners receive:

• Guidance from DU in land management practices to ensure the continued use of the property is consistent with and protects its conservation values
• Potential tax benefits, including the possibility of a federal income tax deduction for the value of the easement up to 30 percent of adjusted gross income
• Assurance that DU will assume a perpetual obligation to monitor the property and enforce the terms of the easement

Perhaps most importantly, easements provide you with a unique opportunity to leave a legacy. With the land protection that DU provides through easements, you can be sure that large acreages of wetlands, riparian habitats and important uplands will be preserved for the benefits of waterfowl and other wildlife and the enjoyment of future generations.

DU has earned the reputation as the world’s leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, and its conservation easements program, a valuable partnership between DU and landowners, helps ensure its ability to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

United Country is a proud sponsor of Ducks Unlimited and is committed to land stewardship while helping landowners find their freedom.