conservationtools.org

[Updated Library Item] Mortgage Subordination: A Guide

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:23:05 GMT

print version of the ConservationTools.org guide:When a mortgage precedes an easement on a property, there is no guaranty of perpetual enforceability of the easement unless the mortgage holder signs a document (sometimes called a "mortgage subordination") that allows the easement to survive a foreclosure of the mortgage. While not easy or quick to obtain, careful preparation that addresses the concerns of the mortgage holder can expedite the process. 12 pages.

[Updated Library Item] Local Regulation for Historic Preservation: A Guide

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:22:11 GMT

A print version of the ConservationTools.org guide: Local municipal regulations can provide substantial protection to historic resources, preserving their contributions to cultural vitality and helping communities maintain quality of life. 35 pages

[New Library Item] Rights of First Purchase (Offer, Negotiation or Refusal): A Guide

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:58:27 GMT

print version of the ConservationTools.org guide: A right of first purchase gives a potential purchaser the opportunity to purchase before a property is sold to another. It can be a right of first offer, a right of first negotiation, a right of first refusal or a combination of these rights. 8 pages

[Updated Tool] Rights of First Purchase (Offer, Negotiation or Refusal)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:25:31 GMT

A right of first purchase gives a potential purchaser the opportunity to purchase before a property is sold to another. It can be a right of first offer, a right of first negotiation, a right of first refusal or a combination of these rights.

[Updated Library Item] Collaborative Opportunities for Land Trusts: A Guide

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:05:31 GMT

print version of the ConservationTools.org guide: Many types of collaborative approaches are available to help land trusts and others advance land conservation. This guide identifies opportunities for collaboration, provides guidance in structuring productive collaborations, and presents examples of successful organizational partnerships. 30 pages

[Updated Tool] Collaborative Opportunities for Land Trusts

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:03:18 GMT

Many types of collaborative approaches are available to help advance land conservation.

[Updated Expert] Susanne M. Curran

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:12:56 GMT

Appraiser of complex land and income properties for land conservancies, corporations and government preservation organizations. Master's Degree in Land Use Planning and member of American Planning Association. State Certified General Appraiser in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

[Updated Tool] Reversionary Interest

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:50:48 GMT

A landowner who is concerned about the future use of his land can donate or sell the land on a conditional rather than absolute basis. A reversionary interest is created by a deed that reserves to the grantor a future ownership right upon the occurrence of some condition.

[New Library Item] Reducing Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax: A Guide

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:49:57 GMT

print version of guide: In Pennsylvania, death triggers a state inheritance tax on the distribution of the deceased person’s assets (called the “estate”) to the beneficiaries of the estate. Conservation restrictions on land included in the estate can reduce the inheritance tax owed. 4 pages

[Updated Tool] Reducing Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:17:52 GMT

In Pennsylvania, death triggers a state inheritance tax on the distribution of the deceased person’s assets (called the “estate”) to the beneficiaries of the estate. Conservation restrictions on land included in the estate can reduce the inheritance tax owed.

[Updated Library Item] Inheritance and Estate Tax Act (PA)

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:51:53 GMT

Daniel B. Evans describes the recent history of the Pennsylvania Inheritance and Estate Tax Act as "rather confusing". The text of the act and his notes can be found at the evans-legal.com website.

[New Library Item] Amending Perpetual Conservation Easements - Confronting the Dilemmas of Change: A Practitioner’s View

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:10:28 GMT

This paper explores the legal, ethical, and public relations issues surrounding amendments and the limitations of applying the charitable trust doctrine. It proposes a legislative solution to clarify the rules for amending easements in response to changed circumstances.

[New Library Item] CO Statute on Parental Waiver of Liability

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:03:23 GMT

The Colorado General Assembly, in order to maximize the recreational and other opportunities available to children amended Part 1 of article 22 of title 13, Colorado Revised Statutes in 2003 to add § 13-22-107. This section provides that the parent of a child may, on behalf of the child, release or waive the child's prospective claim for negligence.

[New Library Item] Collaborative Opportunities for Land Trusts: A Guide

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:11:30 GMT

[Updated Expert] Sylvia Bates

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:29:24 GMT

[New Expert] Peter Lane

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:19:27 GMT

Organizational change, board development, volunteer management, and leadership development, as well as facilitated planning meetings and retreats.

[New Library Item] Collaborating for Conservation

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:57:11 GMT

Three land trusts in Maine decided to try something new to facilitate their systems and strengthen their ability to protect lands in their towns and service areas: a collaborative agreement.

[Updated Tool] Conservation Referendum

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:19:07 GMT

A conservation referendum enables citizens of a local municipality to vote to establish a dedicated tax for open space protection. It also enables citizens to approve borrowing beyond normal debt limits by counties or local municipalities for conservation projects.

[New Library Item] IRS Publication 557: Tax Exempt Status for Your Organization

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:59:18 GMT

A manual describing the procedures an organization should take in seeking recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS.