Couple’s Conservation Easement Donation Will Protect Land in the Florida Wildlife Corridor
Working together with Conservation Florida, Dan and Marcia Welch are generously donating a 500-acre conservation easement in Polk County.
Their property fills in a missing piece of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and protects rare habitat on Lake Wales Ridge, a unique geological feature that is one of the oldest natural scrub communities in Florida. From the gregarious Florida scrub-jay to the shy sand skink, the sandy ridge contains so many unique, threatened plant and wildlife species that it has been labeled a global biodiversity hotspot.
Recognizing the necessity and urgency of preserving this special land, the Welches felt compelled to protect it for future generations. “Our family has witnessed the continual loss of our native woodlands. We hope our partnership with Conservation Florida will further our legacy of protecting our wonderful natural landscape,” said Marcia.
Endangered Florida scrub-jays are special for many reasons. They form tight family groups, and young scrub-jays often help raise their siblings. They are also friendly and curious birds that spend their whole lives in Florida. Photo by Chuck Palmer.
Dan and Marcia Welch
Nestled in the middle of Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, the land is home to more than 40 plants and animals found nowhere else on the planet.
Conservation Florida will hold the conservation easement, which will limit development on the land and protect its natural characteristics forever. Its location on Lake Wales Ridge and within Conservation Florida’s H2O: Headwaters to Okeechobee boundary made it an ideal candidate for protection.
On top of everything else, the donation of this land will also close a gap in the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Like filling in missing pieces of a giant land protection puzzle, Conservation Florida and its land protection partners have been working to protect land within the Florida Wildlife Corridor for decades.
“We have witnessed the continual loss of our native woodlands. We hope our partnership with Conservation Florida will further our legacy of protecting our wonderful natural landscape.”
The Welch property, which borders this highway, will provide a safer way for endangered Florida panthers to move between other protected lands. Photo by Adam Bass.
Why Do Landowners Like the Welches Protect Their Land?
When you think back on all the life experiences your land has brought you, it may seem clear to you why it should be protected forever. You may also be aware of the challenges that threaten the integrity of your land. Many landowners are concerned that their family’s home and way of life will disappear.
Donating a conservation easement can permanently safeguard family land while providing income tax and estate tax benefits. In some cases, donating or selling a conservation easement is the means to keeping a family’s agricultural land in production. In others, it provides the peace of mind of knowing the natural resources of the land will be protected as a legacy for future generations.
Eight Potential Benefits for Landowners
Maintain control and ownership of the property.
Keep the land and get paid the appreciated value caused by development pressures.
Ensure the property is protected for future generations.
Obtain favorable estate tax treatment during transfer of the land.
Continue to receive income from the land.
Gain income tax advantages.
Rest easy that the restriction will travel with the property if sold.
Individually structure the conservation easement to meet your meets.
Intrigued by Conservation Easement Donations?
Conservation Florida would love to talk with you about protecting your land. Please contact us at (352) 376-4770 or info@conserveflorida.org to learn more or get started today.
About Conservation Florida:
Conservation Florida is a statewide accredited land conservancy working to conserve Florida’s water, wildlife, wild places, and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Our conservation projects support Florida’s native plants and wildlife, fresh water, wildlife corridors, family farms and ranches, the economy, and nature-based recreation. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has prioritized strategic and evidence-based land protection and has saved over 30,000 acres of critical habitat.
