The Landowner's Options

McHenry County's landscape is richly diversified. It has features ranging from glacial geological remnants such as kames, moraines, and outwash plains, to the more recent woodlands, prairies, stream corridors, bogs and fens. Lifelong residents, as well as new residents, are attracted to McHenry County's special combination of towns, hamlets, natural areas, and rual agricultural fields and farmsteads.

On an individual level, probably everyone has a special place or places, in McHenry County that promotes a good feeling, a special feeling. It could be a certain farm or woodland, a special hiking trail, or an area especially thick with wildflowers. For certain of us lucky enough to own land that has an especially attractive character, we may occasionally wonder if there is a way that its special character can be preserved for posterity, but without affecting our own personal economic security.

As an owner of a farm or woodlot, you may wish to insure that it is properly managed in the future. As an owner of a unique natural area, you may wish to preserve its value as wildlife habitat or as a wildflower site. Perhaps a scenic view needs to be protected. Whatever its features, your property has values which are important to protect for your enjoyment and for those of future generations.

As stewards of the land, we are all charged with the responsibility of protecting our natural legacy. Government action alone is often inadequate in protecting regionwide landscapes and habtitats without the active cooperation of private landowners. Legislation alone cannot protect and preserve al the land deserving of protection. Likewise there will never be enough public funds available to purchase all valuable scenic and natural lands to meet open space and recreational needs, nor to protect the overall character of McHenry County.

This guide is a guide to the voluntary action that you, the private landowner, may take to preserve McHenry County's natural heritage and rural landscape. Its purpose is to assist you in making decisions about how ad when to protect your land. The following questions may prove helpful as you decide on a technique that fits your particular situation:

• Why do you want to provide protection for your land?
• Do you wish to protect all, or part of it?
• How do you want it cared for in the future?
• Do you want your land to be protected in private owership, or would you consider transferring title to a conservation agency?
• Should you consider a sale or a donation?
• Are tax implications (income, property, estate) important to you?
• Do you wish to act immediately, over a period of years, or through your will?
• How would your actions affect your family?

The various ways of protecting your land and the financial implications are discussed in the following pages. Emphasis is placed on interaction between the private landowner and the not-for-profit conservation agencies.

The purpose of this guide is to assist you in making decisions about how and when to protect your land. It is a general guide to techniques and to legal and tax implications. It is recommended that you consult with your attorney or your tax advisor, as well, before making a final decision on any specific option.