Conservation has made headway during the month of May. Late last week, Congress enacted an override of President Bush’s veto of the Farm Bill, renewing a “tax incentive which has helped conserve a million or more acres of farms, ranches and natural areas across the US.” According to the Land Trust Alliance, the new incentive will:
- “Raise the deduction a donor can take for donating a voluntary conservation agreement from 30% of their income in any year to 50%;
- Allow farmers and ranchers to deduct up to 100% of their income; and
- Increase the number of years over which a donor can take deductions from 6 to 16 years.”
To find out more, read the LTA press release.
In Colorado local news, HB1353, a bill that curbs abuses on the state’s conservation easement program, will be signed into law by Governor Ritter today. Visit the Colorado Coalition of Land Trust website for more information on the bill and how it will strengthen the program.