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Anatomy of a Land Transaction

CLCC’s Anatomy of a Land Transaction is a seven-part webinar series designed to give land trust staff and board members a practical, well-rounded foundation in the core components of land conservation deals. Each session features expert presenters covering key topics—from project selection, appraisals, and environmental due diligence, to surveys, baseline documentation, closings, and post-closing responsibilities—with plenty of tools and resources to take back to your organization.

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While not a deep dive into every legal or technical nuance, this series offers a practical, engaging overview that will build your confidence, sharpen your understanding, and strengthen your land trust’s ability to carry out impactful, well-executed conservation projects—building out your toolbox to better take on your next land transaction.

Note: Resources by the Land Trust Alliance require a membership to view / download.

#1: Environmental Due Diligence: Know What You’re Getting

In Session 1 of the Anatomy of a Land Transaction series, we will demystify Environmental Assessments, including the different phases, the purpose they serve in land conservation transactions, and how findings can impact project decisions. We’ll clarify when a land trust can use an in-house Environmental Transaction Screen to identify potential concerns—and when a formal, ASTM-compliant Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is warranted. The session will also address how to scope an Environmental Assessments to fit the property type, what to do when contamination is suspected or confirmed, and potential funding sources for assessment or remediation.

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#2: Is It a Fit? Strategic Project Evaluation for Lasting Impact

In Session 2 of the Anatomy of a Land Transaction series, we’ll dive into project selection. Project selection is more than evaluating opportunities as they arise—it’s about being proactive in pursuing the right projects that advance your mission. This session will explore how traditional project selection criteria provide a useful foundation, but are most effective when embedded within a strategic conservation plan. We’ll discuss how these plans can guide decision-making and help land trusts shift from passively responding to landowner interest to actively initiating outreach that aligns with conservation goals. The session will also cover methods for evaluating public benefit, anticipating long-term stewardship responsibilities, and determining key points in a project timeline where staff, committee, or board approval is essential to proceed.

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#3:  Understanding Appraisals: Choosing the Right Approach

Session 3 of the Anatomy of a Land Transaction series will provide land trusts and conservation professionals with practical guidance on how to scope, select, and manage appraisals for land acquisition and conservation projects. Participants will learn how to determine which type of appraisal—USPAP, Yellow Book, or others—is appropriate based on the intended use and funding sources of the project. The presentation will outline key distinctions between appraisal standards used by the IRS, CT DEEP, USDA-NRCS, and other public agencies.

We’ll also explore strategies for identifying and qualifying appraisers and appraisal reviewers, including key questions to ask and common red flags to avoid. A portion of the session will be dedicated to reviewing the core components of a credible appraisal report and what land trusts can look for to assess the strength of the valuation.

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#4: Boundary Matters: Using Surveys to Protect Conservation Interests

Session 4 of the Anatomy of a Land Transaction series will explore surveys, which are often a requirement for land acquisition funding programs, and are the foundation for effective stewardship and enforcement. This session will cover when a Class A-2 survey is needed, how to read and interpret survey documents, and how to communicate with surveyors. It will also touch on integrating GPS/GIS data, from project exploration to stewardship purposes.

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#5: Baseline Reports & Management Planning for Lasting Stewardship

Session 5 of the Anatomy of a Land Transaction series will cover the pre-acquisition development of Baseline Documentation Reports (BDRs) and post-acquisition stewardship planning. It will review required components, acceptable formats, and best practices for signing, archiving, and referencing this documentation, as well as ways of integrating GIS and photo documentation.

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#6: Legal Considerations: Managing Risk Before, During & After Closing

Session 6 of the Anatomy of a Land Transaction series offers an overview of the legal lifecycle of a land conservation transaction—from due diligence through closing and post-closing responsibilities. Topics may include title review, mortgage subordination, access rights, and complex encumbrances. The session also covers closing logistics (escrow, disbursement, recording) and post-closing tasks such as, donor acknowledgments, IRS Form 8283, and tax assessor filings. Emphasis will be placed on aligning with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices and meeting accreditation requirements.

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See Also:

Land Conservation & Acquisition
|  Accreditation, Standards & Practices, Land Management, Monitoring, Enforcement & Reporting, Strategic Conservation, Tax Issues
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