A carefully documented donation agreement can achieve both a legally binding commitment to the conservation organization and a tax deductible contribution for the donor. Check out Pledges and Donation Agreements as well as other topics at ConservationTools.org.

ConservationTools.org launched in January 2010. Thanks to a dozen partner organizations, ConservationTools.org includes:

• Succinct summaries, in-depth guidance and links to resources on 36 conservation tools and topics, much of it unavailable anywhere else.
• Contact information, biographies and references for 200 people who can advise and help with implementation of conservation endeavors
• Many hundreds of publications for download and links with summary descriptions of all items.

Users can access all of this information via the site’s powerful search engine or through topic directories. Users can also check out upcoming events and find extensive information on land trusts, agricultural preservation boards, trail groups and other organizations working in Pennsylvania.

If you are particularly knowledgeable or want to market your conservation or land use related services, make yourself known to others by listing yourself as an expert at the site. If you are with a conservation organization, make sure people can easily find good information about your organization by updating your listing or creating a new listing.

The site welcomes additional partners who can submit publications and other content to help the site grow. You can contribute content to the site at any time. Partners contributing significant material may have their organization logo added to the logos rotated in and out on all the site’s pages.

Sampling of Tools Available

Land Use Ordinances & Development Standards

• Growing Greener: Conservation by Design
• Traditional Neighborhood Development
• Transfer of Development Rights
• Urban Growth Boundry
• Public Dedication of Land
• Tree Ordinance
• Lighting Ordinances

Acquisition of Land & Easements 

• Option Agreements
• Reserved Life Estate
• Model Conservation Easement
• Stewardship Fees
• Reversionary Interests
• Right of First Purchase

Financing Conservation

• Pledges and Donation Agreements
• Installment Agreement
• Seller Take Back Financing
• Conservation Referendum

Studies, Planning, Research & Analysis

• Cost of Community Services Studies
• Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program
• Build-Out Analysis
• Development Threat Analysis

Incentives & Help for Landowners

• Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program 
• Agricultural Security Areas
• Audubon at Home
• Clean & Green