Frequently Asked Questions about Mesa Land Trust

What is Mesa Land Trust?

MLT is a private, nonprofit land trust formed in 1980.  Our mission is to protect agricultural land, wildlife habitat, and open space in Mesa County.  We are the only local private land trust in Mesa County qualified to hold conservation easements.  We currently protect over 48,000 acres.

Is MLT a government agency?  

No.  Mesa Land Trust is a private nonprofit organization.  We do work with government agencies and representatives, as well as with private businesses, individuals, and community groups, but we are not associated with the county or any other governmental body.

Is MLT a political group?  

No.  Land use issues can be political, and our members may hold personal political beliefs on the subject,  but MLT is not a political advocacy group.  We assist landowners with voluntary land protection efforts that will fulfill their individual needs and wishes.

Why do we need a land trust in Mesa County?  

Mesa County’s continued growth consumes  productive agricultural land and wildlife habitat and open space.  If we are to leave a legacy for the future, we must proactively conserve our open land heritage.  The Land Trust works with landowners to protect the farmland, wildlife habitat, and rural integrity of Mesa County.  Protection of open space and agricultural lands is vital to maintaining the current quality of life and supporting the agricultural economy of the area.  

How does Mesa Land Trust function?

MLT is funded through individual and business donations as well as through grants from foundations, private donors and the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund.  MLT is governed by a diverse, volunteer Board of Directors which includes farmers, ranchers, businessmen, realtors, financial consultants, teachers, and human resource specialists.  A full-time Executive Director oversees MLT conservation projects, budgeting and staff.

Who benefits from land conservation?  

Everyone does!  Conservation efforts help maintain Mesa County’s high quality of life by protecting its open lands and working landscapes.  We protect important wildlife habitat and our work helps farmers and ranchers keep land in the family, in production, and on the tax roles.  Donated conservation easements can provide substantial relief from income and estate taxes.  Purchased easements provide funds for continued farming and ranching operations.

How does Mesa Land Trust conserve land?  

The most commonly used tool is the conservation easement.  These are voluntary, perpetually binding documents that restrict development of a property.  Easements are usually donated, but in rare cases sold, and the property remains under private ownership.  There are other conservation tools available, and MLT works with each landowner to determine which tool best meets their needs.  

How does MLT ensure the permanent protection of lands under easement?

Every year we monitor each property protected by conservation easement.  Monitoring allows us to determine that the terms of the easement are being upheld by the landowner.  When an easement is donated to MLT, money is set aside in a Stewardship Endowment Fund.  This ensures that funds are available for monitoring purposes and legal defense of the easements.

Is Mesa Land Trust involved in the management of conserved lands?

No.  The landowner retains all management responsibilities for their property, and normal agricultural practices continue on farms and ranches.  MLT is not involved with daily operations.  We ensure that the conservation values of the easement are being upheld through our annual monitoring program.  

Does the public have access to conserved lands?  

No, unless the donor of a conservation easement desires public access.  Public access to conserved lands can be denied or granted as a term of a conservation easement.  

Does it cost anything to conserve land?  

Yes.  Landowners usually pay the costs of their own professional advisors, including appraisal and legal fees.  MLT also asks that landowners contribute to the Stewardship Endowment Fund, which covers the costs of perpetually monitoring the property and any legal defense necessary in the future. 

How can I support Mesa Land Trust? 

You can make a financial contribution, or volunteer your time.  All contributions are tax-deductible and go directly toward our land conservation activities.  These include keeping a professional staff available to work with landowners, enabling our office to provide information to the public, and assisting with monitoring responsibilities.  Our status as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization allows individuals to make gifts of many types, including bequests of land, donation of appreciated securities, and gifts that provide life income for the donor. These all support our conservation programs and provide significant tax advantages to donors.  Join MLT today!