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104 North Laurel,
Suite 104
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Phone (360) 417-1815
Fax: (360) 457-1089
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 Steps to Donate a Conservation Easement

1. A landowner and a Land Trust representative meet to discuss whether a conservation easement is the best conservation option for the land. A site visit to the land is included in these initial meetings.

2. The Conservation Committee and staff review the information and conduct a second site visit if necessary.

3. If the landowner and the Land Trust agree to move forward with the conservation easement, the landowner submits a completed Easement Information form.

4. The Land Trust initiates a title search and our attorney prepares the conservation easement documents.

5. The landowner reviews the easement and revisions are made if necessary.

6. If the landowner intends to claim the donation of the easement as a charitable donation, a qualified appraisal must be obtained. A timber cruise may also be necessary.

7. A survey may be required if property boundaries are unclear or in dispute.

8. A baseline documentation report is prepared by Land Trust staff, which records the present condition of the property and includes maps, photographs, land use history, and wildlife and plant surveys. The landowner and the Land Trust sign this document.

9. The Land Trust Board of Directors reviews the final easement and votes on formal acceptance.

10. If accepted, the easement is signed and recorded with the County.

11. North Olympic Land Trust monitors the property annually and enforces the easement in the event of a violation. For this reason, when the easement is finalized, landowners will be invited to make a financial contribution to the Stewardship Fund.

*Since the transfer of property is a legal process, an attorney handles the Land Trust's part in transactions. Donors must rely on their own attorneys, appraisers and tax specialists in order to insure that they receive personal and objective representation during negotiations and appropriate benefit from the conservation easement.