The news of a recent 40-acre forest clearcut near Honeymoon Bay cast a stark light on what can happen when landowners feel backed into a corner to log or subdivide because of daunting tax pressures. The swift clearcut last month is a glaring reminder that wildlife habitat and open space can legally disappear almost overnight if no alternative is perceived.

But, there often is an alternative. It is voluntary. It is flexible. And, it offers a way to significantly reduce estate, income and property taxes. It also respects much of what islanders value, including rural character, wildlife habitat, scenic views and property rights. These are not conflicting values. Owners don’t have to make a choice between sustainable forests and clearcuts or between family farms and subdivisions.

Indeed, one of the ways that the Whidbey Camano Land Trust helps stem the loss of important island resources, without jeopardizing individual property rights, is by accepting the donation of voluntary conservation agreements for land with significant public conservation values. A conservation agreement (conservation easement) is a legal agreement between a landowner and the Land Trust. It permanently limits future uses and development of the land in order to protect its important conservation values. It allows property owners to continue to own and use their land and to sell it or pass it on to heirs. By limiting the land’s development potential, the conservation agreement lowers its market value, which in turn lowers the estate tax. Whether the agreement is donated during one’s life or by will, it can make a critical difference in the heirs’ ability to keep the land intact.

According to news articles, high estate taxes presumably drove the need to clearcut the Honeymoon Bay property. The donation of a qualifying conservation agreement could have reduced the value of the estate and also qualified the heirs for an additional estate tax relief measure. And, the wildlife habitat and the tall trees would remain.

By reducing this tax burden through a conservation agreement, a landowner can help ensure that his or her family does not have to log, subdivide or sell the family farm just to pay estate taxes on it.

For more than 22 years, the Whidbey Camano Land Trust has protected the islands’ natural habitats and rural lands by working with private landowners, community groups and public agencies. The Land Trust acquires land and conservation agreements that meet our mission through donations and purchase. We have protected more than 4,760 acres of coastal areas, wetlands and streams, wildlife habitat, working farmlands, scenic vistas, natural areas and trails. The Whidbey Camano Land Trust holds eight conservation agreements. Many more are in the works.

We can help landowners determine if a conservation agreement is a viable option for their family and explore ways to reach financial goals while leaving a positive legacy.

There often is another choice.

Patricia Powell is executive director of the Whidbey Camano Land Trust. Inquire at 360-222-3310 or visit www.wclt.org.