Introducing

The Nebraska Land Trust

Filling a Need

 

From hardwood forests on our eastern bluffs to pine covered buttes in the Panhandle, Nebraska is a land of contrast and beauty.  A diverse array of life is tied to the land and the rivers that cross it; natural resources that define our human history as well.

 

In Nebraska, the vast majority of wildlife habitat, native landscapes, and historic sites have been protected by individuals and families.  Most are justifiably proud of their stewardship which often spans several generations.  The Nebraska Land Trust was founded in 2001 as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, to provide conservation options for landowners who want to protect their land for generations yet to come.

For a State Land Trust

 

Throughout the country, land trusts have played a vital role in protecting natural and historical resources on private land.  From local organizations to those with a state, regional or national focus, land trusts have enabled families to protect and use their land through conservation easements and other tools.

 

In a state where 97% of the land is private, The Nebraska Land Trust works with landowners to protect land with conservation easements, and promote other voluntary, flexible, incentive-based methods for conservation of private lands.

Focused on Conservation Easements

 

          The Nebraska Land Trust uses conservation easements as its primary tool for land protection, since easements can legally protect natural and historical resources while having the flexibility to allow for agriculture, hunting, and other land-based activities compatible with private stewardship and conservation. 

 

            Landowner incentives can be found in potential tax breaks for donated easements or financial gains from their sale. The public benefits from better protection of wildlife habitat, river corridors, urban green space, historical sites, scenic views and water quality. In the end, everybody can win which is important in a private lands state like Nebraska.

To Protect Natural and Historical Resources on Private Land

 

          To help ensure long-term protection, The Nebraska Land Trust maintains a Stewardship Endowment Fund for future monitoring of conservation easements and enforcement if necessary.  The organization focuses on areas where resources are most threatened, such as parts of the Platte, Niobrara and Missouri Rivers. 

 

                From protecting wildlife habitat in the Lower Platte Valley with conservation easements, to collaboration with ranchers, the National Park Service and others in protection of the Niobrara National Scenic River, The Nebraska Land Trust is working to provide landowners with attractive options for the protection of natural and historical resources on their land.