What is a Land Trust?
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​A land trust is a not-for-profit entity established for the purpose of conserving land.
Western Sky is committed to the permanent protection of our natural and cultural heritage by actively working to conserve land in southern Alberta. We accept donations of land, hold conservation easements, or raise funds to purchase properties.
We are focused on conserving watersheds for their agricultural, natural, heritage, scenic and recreational values. Western Sky works cooperatively with landowners to protect open spaces.
The words "land trust" and "conservancy" mean the same thing.

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How We Conserve
​Western Sky’s conservation programs focus on land that has natural, scenic, agricultural, historical or recreational valueWe have numerous tools available for landowners to voluntarily conserve their lands. These include:

Fee Simple Acquisition

​​In a fee simple acquisition Western Sky would own the land. This is the most secure form of conservation and takes place through one of the following mechanisms or through a combination of the following tools: land donation, land purchase or partial donation with a cash purchase of the remaining land.
Donations or partial donations of land are eligible for tax benefits and many properties may qualify for the federal Ecological Gifts Program (EcoGifts) which provides additional tax benefits. Western Sky has also worked with landowners who have donated their land and retained use of the property through a life estate.
For more information on EcoGifts please visit: www.ec.gc.ca/pde-egp

Conservation Easements or Covenants

​Conservation easements allow the landowner to remain the sole owner of the property. The easement places restrictions on the land. These restrictions are mutually agreed upon by the landowner and Western Sky. Should the landowner sell the land or change ownership in any way, the conservation easement will remain on the property.