Permanent Land Protection Through Conservation Easements
WHCL represents land trusts and landowners working to preserve natural habitats, agricultural lands, and open space through conservation easements. The firm provides practical legal guidance throughout the conservation easement process, from initial planning through closing.
Drafting & Structure
CLEAR AGREEMENTS. STRONG STRUCTURE.
Services include drafting, reviewing, and negotiating conservation easements, option agreements, and related documents. Transactions are structured to reflect conservation goals while remaining clear, practical, and enforceable over time.
WHCL focuses on creating well-organized, internally consistent agreements that address key terms such as permitted uses, reserved rights, and long-term stewardship. By emphasizing clarity and coordination with all parties, WHCL helps support agreements that are both effective at closing and durable over time.
Due Diligence & Closing
THOROUGH REVIEW. COORDINATED CLOSINGS.
WHCL provides comprehensive support to land trusts throughout the transaction process, including the review and management of key due diligence materials. This includes title work, surveys, appraisals, baseline documentation reports, stewardship and management plans, mineral assessments, and environmental reports. The firm’s role is to help ensure that each component is complete, consistent, and aligned with applicable standards and conservation objectives.
Services include reviewing closing documents and assist in coordinating and facilitating the closing process, working alongside legal counsel, appraisers, and other professionals to support a well-documented and defensible transaction from initial review through completion.
Tax & IRS Support
TAX GUIDANCE. IRS COMPLIANCE.
WHCL assists landowners in pursuing federal tax deductions associated with the donation of conservation interests, including conservation easements and fee title land. When structured properly, these donations may qualify for income tax deductions under applicable IRS guidelines. Our services include coordinating with qualified appraisers, legal professionals, and conservation organizations to help ensure compliance and maximize potential tax benefits.
For land trusts, WHCL assists in reviewing landowner submissions and evaluating conservation proposals with attention to IRS compliance considerations. This includes identifying potential risk factors, supporting proper documentation, and ensuring alignment with current federal guidance, including applicable reporting requirements.