We protect land that matters – together.
For generations, families throughout Westmoreland County have cared for forests, streams, historic places, and special landscapes. Whether you’re considering donating your property, selling it for conservation, or simply exploring your options, we are here to help.
Westmoreland Land Trust protects and conserves land in a variety of ways, often through donation, bargain sale, or fee simple purchase. Land of special ecological, cultural, or recreational value can be conserved permanently if it aligns with our land protection strategy.
Ready to explore options? Call us at 724-325-3031.
Please note: WLT cannot give legal, financial, or tax advice. For any transaction involving your land, it is important that you obtain independent legal, financial, and tax counsel.
GIFT
Ways to Gift Your Land
Gift of Land
Donating your land to WLT is one of the simplest ways of conserving it. It ensures protection and stewardship and relieves you of the responsibilities of ownership. A gift of land is one of the finest legacies you can leave to future generations.
TAX BENEFITS POSSIBLE
“Wildlife habitat, forests, streams, beautiful scenery — all are worth protecting. Once land is developed, its special qualities can be lost or compromised forever.
Protecting land is only the beginning. Westmoreland Land Trust provides long-term stewardship to ensure conserved properties continue to benefit wildlife, natural resources, and future generations.
Gift of Remainder Interest
Donate your land for conservation while continuing to use and enjoy it throughout your lifetime.
This type of gift allows you to leave a lasting legacy while retaining full personal use of the land — a practical option for many.
RETAIN LIFETIME USE
Gift of Land by Will
Make a bequest of land in your will. If you plan such a gift, it is important to meet with us in advance to discuss its capacity to maintain the gift consistent with your wishes.
A donation agreement is helpful.
ESTATE PLANNING
SALE
Ways to Sell Your Land
Bargain Sale
Sell your land to Westmoreland Land Trust at a price below its appraised value. The difference between fair market value and the selling price is treated as a donation — potentially unlocking meaningful tax benefits while also relieving you of the responsibilities of ownership.
TAX BENEFITS POSSIBLE
Sale at Fair Market Value
For land of exceptional conservation value, a full fair-market-value purchase may also be a possibility. Contact Westmoreland Land Trust to discuss whether your property qualifies and to learn more about the evaluation process.
FOR EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES
Option to Purchase
Grant Westmoreland Land Trust the right to purchase your land at a set price within a defined time period. Purchase options are widely used for conservation and can allow time to raise funds, assemble multi-property projects, complete due diligence, or address complex ownership.
FLEXIBLE TIMING
Right of First Purchase
Granting Westmoreland Land Trust (WLT) a right of first purchase gives us the opportunity to make an offer to acquire your property if and when you or your heirs consider selling. This is a low-commitment way to support conservation without permanently restricting your land now.
There are several types:
Right of First Offer
An agreement to offer your property to WLT before marketing it to others, or to notify WLT when you’re ready to sell and allow WLT to make the first offer.
Right of First Negotiation
May be added to a Right of First Offer, requiring you to negotiate with WLT for a set period of time before pursuing other buyers.
Right of First Refusal
After one or more outside offers are received, WLT has the right to match any offer you would otherwise accept — ensuring the land has a conservation opportunity even through a market sale.
VALUE
Is my property a good fit?
Land Protection Priorities
Every conservation opportunity is unique. While we evaluate each property individually, we generally prioritize properties that expand existing protected land; create landscape connectivity; possess exceptional ecological value, such as mature forests and watersheds; and provide public benefit.
OTHER OPTIONS
Other Ways to Support Land Conservation
If you wish to support conservation in Westmoreland County without permanently protecting your own land, there are many meaningful ways to contribute — and several may provide tax benefits.
- Donating funds to Westmoreland Land Trust
- Donating materials or services to WLT
- Volunteering your time with WLT
- Donating publicly or non-publicly traded assets
- Making a gift of funds or assets by will
- Donating land or interest in land for WLT resale
Did you know? You may be able to donate part or all of an eligible withdrawal from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) directly to Westmoreland Land Trust. A charitable contribution made directly from your IRA may yield significant tax benefits. With donation of an appreciated asset, you are also eligible for an income tax deduction for the full market value, and may avoid triggering capital gains tax.
*Please note that WLT cannot give legal, financial, or tax advice. It is important that you obtain independent legal, financial, and tax advice.
Ready to protect your land?
Reach out to start a conversation. Every potential conservation project begins with a simple inquiry — and we’re here to listen and explore what’s possible.