Every Gift Counts

Your tax-deductible gift makes a difference for the waters, wildlife, and community of the Beaverkill Valley forever.

Whether you make a monetary contribution or consider donating your land, your gift to the land trust helps us protect the pristine ecology of the Beaverkill River and its tributaries, and ensures continued beauty of the larger Beaverkill Valley region.

Gifts by Mail

Make your check payable to Beaverkill Valley Land Trust

Mail to:

Beaverkill Valley Land Trust
1532 Beaverkill Road
Livingston Manor, NY 12758

Email us at info@beaverkill.org to set up a direct bank transfer.

Gifts of Land

You can support the land trust and help conserve the Valley’s woods and waters is by donating your land.

Outright Donation

If you donate your land outright to our land trust (called donating a fee interest), you will likely receive a federal income tax deduction for the fair market value of your land based upon an independent appraisal. You might also choose to donate your land as part of your estate plan and will.

By donating your land, it becomes a community asset, ensuring its responsible stewardship and protection forever. Fee interests that have been donated to BVLT in the past have been conveyed to the State of New York to become part of the Catskill Park system, while other lands have been put under conservation easements. The size, location, and conservation value of the land will help to dictate future use of the land, but in all cases, the Land Trust is legally required to use the land for public and environmental benefit.

Donation via Life Estate

Another option is to donate your land to us subject to a life estate. A life estate arrangement involves you as the donor retaining the right to use and enjoy your property for your lifetime (the life estate), while the remainder interest (future ownership) is donated to the land trust.

In this circumstance, you continue to live on your property and are responsible for taxes and property upkeep during your lifetime. Upon your passing, the property fully transfers to the land trust. As the donor, you can claim a federal income tax deduction for the present value of the remainder interest that is donated to BVLT. This value is calculated based on IRS tables that consider your age and life expectancy, the property's value, and the applicable federal interest rates.

Should you choose to donate your land subject to a life estate for yourself or your family, there are other tax benefits for which you may be eligible, and we would be happy to discuss these potential benefits with you.

Thoughtful Planning

Conserving land requires careful consideration. Each landowner has a unique vision for the future of their property that involves financial, legal and land planning matters. The information contained on this webpage should not be considered legal or tax advice. You should seek professional financial planning, tax, and legal advice before making any decisions about your land or estate.