On August 27, 2018 the IRS proposed new regulations changing how it would characterize state income tax credits (such as the Virginia Land Preservation Tax Credit “LPTC”) that are received when people make charitable gifts. If this rule passes, landowners who donate conservation easements would have to count the Virginia LPTC issued to them as a payment and their federal income tax deduction would be reduced by the value of the state tax credits received.
Land Conservation
PEC has helped landowners permanently protect over 430,000 acres of rural or natural land. Conservation Easements help ensure that the Virginia Piedmont is always characterized by its open spaces, healthy environment, and cultural resources.
A Legacy of Love
Through the Headwaters Stream Initiative, an astounding 3,765 trees were planted on 16 acres the Goodall property in Madison County, including 4,600 linear feet of stream.
Your General Assembly Update
The beginning of spring marks the end of the 2018 Virginia General Assembly session. Well, sort of. In the case of the budget, there was no resolution, which means the fate of conservation funding and the general path forward is still up in the air. To address this, the Governor has announced that a special session will convene on April 11.
One of the bigger issues taking up bandwidth this year was Medicaid expansion. The House’s budget bill included the expansion, while the Senate’s bill did not — this set up a showdown in the budget conference committee. Due to this and other differences, the conferees were unable to come to an agreement, meaning it will be some time before we know what programs will be affected.
Neighborly Effort to Protect the Piedmont
“This beautiful and agricultural open land was here before we purchased Waverley and it’s my hopeful intention that it will look the same as it does today long after I’m gone,” remarked Charlotte Tieken, Somerset resident and owner of Waverley Farm.
The Piedmont Environmental Council worked with Ms. Tieken to put 669 acres of her property under conservation easement at the close of 2017.
Albemarle County’s Acquisition of Conservation Easement Program (ACE)
The Acquisition of Conservation Easement (ACE) program has been an extremely important tool for the protection of rural resources in Albemarle County. Of the almost 100,000 acres of protected land in Albemarle County almost 10% of it has been protected through the ACE program.
Help Protect Virginia’s Piedmont
Land conservation is critical to protecting the water we drink, conserving the farms that grow our food, providing habitat for plants and animals, and saving special places that have shaped our history and provide us with healthy places to hike, ride, and camp.
Advocating for Strong Land Conservation Policies
Successful land conservation requires action at all levels to protect the Commonwealth’s diverse landscapes. Land conservation is critical in achieving measurable goals on protecting water quality, water supply, climate resiliency, and the Chesapeake Bay. State agencies, local communities, and private individuals need the right tools to protect working farms and forests, scenic landscapes, natural areas, wildlife habitat and game lands, historic resources, and parks and recreational areas for Virginia’s present and future generations. Virginia currently has a variety of programs and approaches that can deliver lasting results across the Commonwealth.
Regarding the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) and Conservation Easements
PEC Comments to VOF on June 22, 2017: “…As we did at your February 9th meeting in regard to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, PEC encourages the VOF Board to vote NO on the Mountain Valley Pipeline request for a 1704 Conversion/Diversion to allow an industrial access road through the “Terry Property” in Roanoke County…”
More About Roundabout Meadows
Over a 20 year period, The Piedmont Environmental Council has played a leadership role in preserving the historic and scenic landscape at Gilberts Corner. This Rte. 15 & 50 corridor serves as the symbolic gateway to the Piedmont; essentially a transition point between suburban and rural Loudoun County. PEC has defined the vision, forged the partnerships, created the policy framework and actively engaged in a series of conservation transactions covering some 326 acres that is designed to preserve the rural character of Gilberts Corner.
Regarding the Atlantic Coast Pipeline & Conservation Easements
A decision is being considered that could have a profound and lasting effect on the integrity of conservation easement programs in Virginia.