A land trust is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with private landowners to help protect the natural or historic character of their property. By working closely with the landowner, a land trust can offer insight and expertise on planning for future usage of the property to help insure that it remains a part of the family’s heritage.

Because of rapidly soaring property values, landowners and their families are often faced with hefty tax burdens The financial value of land can become so high that families find it difficult to keep their land intact. Conservation planning can be crucial in protecting family land from these pressures, by helping the landowner realize significant tax benefits.

The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee (LTLT) is one of 24 local land trusts in North Carolina, with more than 1200 across the nation. While the first land trust originated in Boston more than 100 years ago, the concept has become widespread only in the last 10 years, as the need for a resource to encourage and facilitate the conservation of private lands has become more critical.

The LTLT works in the Upper Little Tennessee and Hiwassee River valleys of Western North Carolina and Northern Georgia to conserve lands that are important to our local communities. We work to protect land that is important for its value as wildlife habitat, productive farmland, recreational area, scenic beauty, or historic significance. Everyone who lives in our project areas benefits from the permanent conservation of these resources.

The LTLT recognizes that no two properties or families are alike. Therefore, we provide information, assistance, and encouragement to private landowners about a number of conservation options that support desirable and sustainable uses of the land. Each conservation solution is custom-designed to offer the greatest benefits to the landowner, while protecting the inherent conservation values of the land.

In addition to our work with private landowners, the LTLT partners with local governments, public agencies, and developers to find innovative ways to achieve the long-term protection of riverfront, floodplain, agricultural, and forest lands. And, because we believe the best way to promote good stewardship of our land and water is through education and demonstration, we provide our communities with useful information and sustainable practices, so that the natural beauty, ecological integrity, and rural character of our region will be preserved for generations to come.