Locals and visitors alike experience the stunning natural beauty of the Kawarthas during all four seasons.
When you think about the Kawarthas, the region’s stunning forests, lively wetlands, and sparkling lakes and rivers likely come immediately to mind.
While pressure from development on our natural spaces and the effects of climate change may feel overwhelming at times, we can all work together to contribute to affect change — local efforts can have a global impact.
Protecting natural lands in the Kawarthas for more than
20
years.
You have options.
Landowners working with Kawartha Land Trust can collaborate with us on permanent land protection options or temporary projects.
We will work with you to secure vital habitat for wildlife and ensure your forests and wetlands remain intact.
Explore the conservation options for landowners below. If you have questions, please reach out to us at [email protected] or call 705-743-5599.
Option 1:
KLT’s Morton Nature Sanctuary is home to several species at risk. The land was generously donated to Kawartha Land Trust in 2021 by Patricia and David Morton.
A land donation is an incredible gift to the wildlife and habitats of the future. Imagine knowing that the land you donate will always be a sanctuary for nature.
Donating land to Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) can be flexible. You can donate all or part of your land. With special arrangements, you can still enjoy or live on the land after the donation.
Know that care for your land does not stop after donation. KLT has a dedicated and experienced stewardship team and stewardship fund to ensure your land is protected forever.
Financial incentives to donate land exist — there are capital gains and income tax benefits for gifts of land that qualify as “Ecological Gifts” under the Canadian Income Tax Act.
Have questions about donating land to KLT?
Reach out to us at [email protected] or call 705-743-5599. We look forward to speaking with you!
Option 2:
Glen Burn CEA. Donor Major Donald Howson wanted to ensure the land would be protected for generations to come. (KLT)
Are you worried about the changes to nature that you’re seeing on the landscape?
A Conservation Easement Agreement (CEA) is a permanent, legally binding agreement with Kawartha Land Trust to protect nature on your property forever.
A CEA is a voluntary action taken by a landowner who knows that the nature on their property should always be given priority today and in the future.
With a CEA, you continue to own and use your land, can live on your property, sell it or pass it on to your heirs; however, the CEA contains protective rules that must be followed by all current and future owners.
CEAs take great consideration to develop. In some cases, they require a financial commitment from the owner. As a voluntary donation of a right in your land, CEAs are considered a charitable gift. KLT issues an income tax receipt for their registration, following Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines.
CEAs are also a critical tool in protecting farmland and working forests on our landscape.
To learn more about CEAs:
Reach out to us at [email protected] or call 705-743-5599. We look forward to speaking with you!
Option 3:
A 2021 Partners in Conservation project with a private landowner in the Fleetwood Creek Watershed to lower a culvert to reconnect a “broken” coldwater stream to ensure declining fish stocks can reach their vital breeding grounds. (KLT)
Our ecologically vibrant landscape is in the hands of thousands of landowners. The good land care of private lands in the Kawarthas affects the health of nature across our region.
The goal of Kawartha Land Trust’s (KLT) Partners in Conservation program is to harness the power of voluntary stewardship actions taken by landowners and recognize their dedicated stewardship of the land.
We believe that KLT can build a robust network of landowners in the Kawarthas. Together, this collective can work to create a future landscape of abundant nature.
Participation as a member requires no permanent commitment and no change to title on your land.
Some landowners chose to participate as a Partner in Conservation to support nature on their property.
However, participation is not limited to natural lands — we also look for opportunities to support productive and sustainable working lands (farms and forests) and to collaborate with private landowners whose land can create community benefits.
Questions about the program?
Reach out to us at [email protected] or call 705-743-5599. We look forward to speaking with you!
Do you wonder about the important natural, agriculture and water features in your neighbourhood?
Do you own over 30 acres?
Submit your information to receive a custom map of your property made by our knowledgeable team.
