Frequently Asked Questions
About the Campbell Conservancy
What is the Campbell Conservancy?
The Campbell Conservancy is a local nonprofit 501(c)(3) land trust founded in 2001. Our mission is to work with willing landowners to protect and conserve land with unique natural, historical, agricultural, or scenic value for the benefit of current and future generations.
Where is the Campbell Conservancy located, and what area do you serve?
We are based in Alexandria, Kentucky, and primarily serve Campbell County and parts of Pendleton County.
How is the Campbell Conservancy different from the Campbell County Conservation District?
While we often partner on projects, the Conservancy is a private nonprofit organization. The Conservation District is a subdivision of the state government. The Conservancy has more flexibility in how it acquires land and holds conservation easements.
Why does land conservation matter in Campbell County?
As the county grows, farmland, forests, streams, wetlands, and scenic spaces can face development pressure. Conservation helps protect clean water, wildlife habitat, working farms and forests, improve flood resilience, and preserve the landscapes and heritage that make our community unique.
What We Protect and How We Do It
What kinds of land and natural resources do you protect?
We help conserve productive farms, forests, wetlands, stream corridors, wildlife habitat, and scenic landscapes. These places provide clean water, support local food and farms, improve flood resilience, and offer outdoor and educational benefits.
How does the Conservancy protect land?
We partner with willing landowners and the community to permanently protect land through conservation easements, land donations, land purchasing, and long-term stewardship (monitoring and care). Every property is different, so we work to find solutions that meet both conservation goals and landowner needs.
Conservation Easements
What is a conservation easement?
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a qualified land trust or government agency. It permanently limits certain development to protect conservation values (such as farmland, forests, water resources, wildlife habitat, and scenic views) while the land stays privately owned.
What are the benefits of a conservation easement?
Conservation easements help landowners protect the land they love while providing lasting public benefits. Easements can help protect clean water, productive farms, wildlife habitat, scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation and education opportunities, and, in some cases, historic resources.
How does a conservation easement restrict the use of land?
Easement terms are tailored to the property and the landowner’s goals. In general, easements limit subdivision and new development, and they may prohibit high-impact activities like surface mining. Many traditional uses, such as farming, ranching, forestry, and compatible land management, can often continue if they support the conservation goals and are included in the easement terms.
Can an easement allow any future building or subdivision?
Sometimes. Depending on the land and the conservation goals, a landowner may be able to reserve limited building or subdivision rights. Any reserved rights must still protect key conservation values (for example, productive farmland, forest, wetlands, or stream corridors).
Who owns the land under a conservation easement?
The landowner does! A conservation easement is a set of agreed-upon limits on certain uses; it is not a transfer of ownership.
Are conservation easements permanent?
Easements typically “run with the land,” meaning current and future owners must follow the same terms. So if the land is sold, the next owners must follow the same easement terms.
Does the public get access to my land if I place an easement on it?
Not necessarily. Some easements include public access, but many do not. Public access is not required in every case.
Landowners: Getting Started
I’m a landowner—how can I protect my property with the Conservancy?
We typically use two approaches: (1) a conservation easement, which permanently limits certain uses while you keep ownership, and (2) land donation, where a property is donated to the Conservancy for permanent protection. We start with a conversation to understand your land and goals.
Do I need to make a stewardship contribution if I donate an easement?
Maybe. Holding an easement comes with long-term responsibilities such as recordkeeping, site visits, and (if needed) enforcement. Many land trusts maintain a stewardship fund to ensure they can uphold easements forever, and some ask easement donors to contribute.
Are there tax benefits to conserving my land?
Potentially, yes. Donating land or a conservation easement may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. It may also support some estate-planning goals. Always talk to a financial advisor or tax expert about your specific situation.
Donations, Funding, and Support
How is the Campbell Conservancy funded?
As a nonprofit, we rely on private donations, grants, and memberships to support land protection, stewardship, and community education.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. The Campbell Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations are generally tax-deductible. Always talk with a financial advisor or tax expert about your specific situation.
Can I donate land or place my land into conservation?
Yes. If you’re interested in protecting your property, we’d love to talk with you.