----------ACRES  LAND  TRUST----------
ACRES, Inc., 1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, Indiana    46748
phone/fax:  (260) 637-2273            e-mail:  acres@acreslandtrust.org
Donating Property
For additional information, visit our office or call us at 637-2273.
 
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One of the finest legacies one can leave for future generations is a protected woodland, wetland or naturally significant landmark.  ACRES Inc. is your best resource for land preservation in northeast Indiana. 
 
ACRES accepts donations of property for preservation.  Contributions are deductible for tax purposes.  Here are the criteria for acquisition of land to be protected as nature preserves.:
 
New Property for Preservation
1.)  20 acres in size or larger, unless of exceptional environmental quality.
2.)  Preference given to properties with rare, endangered, or threatened species.
3.)  Watershed protection of lakes, rivers and streams given a priority.
4.)  Possibility of other acquisitions in same area.
5.)  Property checked for any environmental hazards.  Complete an environmental
          assessment.
6.)  Property can be dedicated as a state nature preserve.  If property cannot be
          immediately dedicated, could it be in the near future?
7.)  If the Division of Nature Preserve does not support the acquisition of the property,
          would the support of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife, IDNR Fish & Wildlife or the
          other IDNR Divisions mean ACRES would still acquire a property?
 
Property Neighboring Existing Preserves
1.)  No size criteria.
2.)  Woods, wetlands, farm fields, or other undeveloped lands.
3.)  If land is farm ground or disturbed fields, plan for restoration to original habitat.
4.)  Property checked for any environmental hazards.  Complete an environmental
          assessment.
 
Other Property
Not all property is suitable for protection. ACRES will accept land or items of value
which could be sold for funds to help purchase a property desirable as a nature preserve.
 
 
Methods of Designating Land for Preservation
 
Donating Outright - the property goes immediately into ownership by ACRES Inc.
Benefits:  the preserve can be named in your honor, the value is deductible on income taxes and estate taxes, and it is free from capital gains taxes.
 
Donating by Discount - the property is sold at a significant discount to ACRES Inc.
Benefits:  same as with outright donation, but it is the difference between the appraised value and selling price that is tax-deductible. 
 
Donating a Remainder Interest (Reserved Life Estate) - you and other designated individuals have full use of the property until all have died or released their life interest, after which ACRES Inc. has full ownership of the property.
Benefits:  same as with outright donation, but the tax-deductible amount is determined by ages of the individuals holding the remainder interest. 
 
Donating by Will (Bequest) - the property goes to ACRES Inc after your death.
Benefits:  the preserve can be named in your honor if so willed.  While a will allows you to change your mind to donate, it also eliminates any tax benefits.   
 
Conservation Easement - the owner agrees to permanently limit certain uses of their property such as harvesting timber, draining a wetland, subdividing the property, or adding buildings.  The land must have undeveloped land (field or woodland) or a relatively natural wildlife habitat for ACRES to participate.  The owner can sell or will the property as usual, but the limitations in the conservation easement continue forever under ACRES Inc.'s supervision.
Benefits:  the difference of the appraised value of the land and the land's appraised value with the conservation easement is tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes, and estate taxes will be lower since land that cannot be developed would have a lower market value.
Note:  The concept of conservations easement has not been thoroughly tested in the courts, so there is a potential for litigation in using this manner of contract.