Press Release:

February 27, 2008

(For immediate Release)

Story County Soil and Water District

Safeguarding your land’s natural resources into the future.

Do you own a farm or acreage in the country? Do you have deep feelings about your land's heritage and legacy? Have you ever contemplated your land's future? If so, you are not alone.

Many landowners who have a vision for their land's future fear that development or agri-business could dramatically alter their land's character. Some of these landowners have no heirs—or no heirs who can or will continue conserving the land's unique features and productivity.

If you are one of these landowners, you may wish to obtain a booklet from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation titled An Introduction to the Landowner's Options: Safeguard your land's natural resource into the future. This booklet describes some of the most commonly used land protection methods in detail and provides a quick overview of several others. The booklet provides a "toolbox" of methods while recognizing that each property owner and each property has unique needs.

Finding the right person or organization who will carry on your good stewardship can give you great peace of mind. For some landowners, the right beneficiary is a conservation organization or agency whose mission matches the owner’s philosophy of stewardship. The booklet compares in detail the options of conservation easements, bequests, tax benefits from a bargain sale to a conservation agency, and many other specialized options. You will also find several examples of landowners in central Iowa who have selected one of the described options to protect their land.

To receive a free booklet, contact the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, 505 Fifth Avenue, Suite 444, Des Moines, IA 50309. Phone: 1-800-475-1846. You can get more information by visiting the INHF website (www.inhf.org) and clicking the "landowner" button. The Story County Soil and Water Conservation District can also provide assistance. Phone: 515-382-2217.

Remember, deciding your land's future may be emotional, bringing your deepest values into focus. However, not deciding or putting it off too long leaves these important decisions to someone else, someone who may not know or appreciate the land as you do. Choosing the right option can give you peace of mind and help you know you're "leaving the world a better place."