Laws change; people die; the land remains. —Abraham Lincoln
Introduction
The Northeast Wilderness Trust works with landowners interested in preserving their property as forever-wild land, or wilderness. In wilderness areas, natural processes are free to direct the ebb and flow of life. Wilderness is free from roads, logging, farming and ranching, development, and motorized recreation. Most land in the Northeast is recovering from centuries of intensive human use; the Northeast Wilderness Trust is committed to restoring some of this land to wilderness condition.
The Trust uses two primary tools to protect land: perpetual conservation easements (also known as conservation restrictions) and fee land ownership. The Trust accepts donations of land and easements and in some cases acquires its interest through purchase or bargain sale. The Trust also works with partners, either individuals or associations, interested in purchasing land for wilderness conservation.
Conservation projects take time, effort, and resources. Interested landowners are encouraged to contact the Northeast Wilderness Trust to begin developing a conservation plan. Depending on the situation, surveys, title searches, and deed preparation may be necessary. Site visits are needed for baseline documentation, and a management plan may be required. The Northeast Wilderness Trust can also put landowners in touch with appraisers, accountants, and land planners familiar with conservation techniques. The Trust always encourages landowners to consult their own legal and financial advisors.
