Resource Library
Resources
Whether you’re a volunteer, staff member, or board leader, the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s Resource Library is here to support your work in conserving and stewarding land across the state.
Organized by topic, this collection offers practical tools, templates, case studies, and expert guidance tailored to the needs of Connecticut’s land trusts. From legal and financial management to community engagement, stewardship, and climate resilience, our goal is to help you navigate challenges, build capacity, and strengthen your organization.
Explore the topics that matter most to your work—and check back often, as we regularly update the library with new and relevant resources.
Quick Links
Navigating conservation laws is essential for land trusts to protect land effectively and comply with legal requirements. This resource, last updated in 2023, provides an overview of key Connecticut laws and regulations impacting conservation, including easements, property tax incentives, land use policies, and nonprofit governance. Whether you’re drafting agreements, advocating for policy, or ensuring compliance, this guide serves as a go-to legal reference for land trust boards and staff.
Many Connecticut towns offer tax abatements to support conservation, but policies vary widely. This compilation of municipal tax abatement policies provides land trusts with real-world examples of how communities incentivize land protection. Whether you’re advocating for a new policy, refining an existing one, or simply exploring ways to strengthen local conservation efforts, this resource offers valuable insights into how towns are using tax incentives to support land conservation.
How do municipal assessors factor conservation easements into property valuations? This report, developed for CLCC by graduate students at the Yale School of the Environment, explores the challenges land trusts face in understanding and navigating Connecticut’s property tax assessment system. Based on surveys, interviews, and workshops, the report highlights knowledge gaps, communication barriers, and opportunities to strengthen relationships between land trusts and tax assessors.
Property tax exemptions for conserved land vary widely across Connecticut, making it crucial for land trusts and landowners to understand local and state tax laws. This resource provides insights into property assessment statutes (e.g., Public Act 490), conservation easements’ effects on valuations, and local tax abatement policies. Whether you’re navigating tax exemptions or working with assessors these resources offer valuable tools and research to support your efforts.
There are numerous potential tax incentives for landowners who choose to protect all or part of their land, including, but not limited to, income tax deductions, estate tax benefits, and avoided capital gains taxes.
Please note that this is for informational purposes only. Landowners must consult with their own attorney and tax advisor for complete information on their personal financial situation.
New to land conservation—or need help explaining it? This plain-language glossary breaks down key terms, acronyms, and concepts used across land transactions and stewardship, as well as commonly-encountered state and federal conservation programs. Compiled by CLCC, it’s designed for staff, board members, partners, and anyone seeking a shared understanding of the language of conservation. Perfect for onboarding, presentations, and outreach materials.
CLCC annually contributes testimony and comments related to land conservation laws, policies, programs, and funding, as well as other priorities central to the health and wellbeing of Connecticut’s communities, environment, economy, and quality of life.
CLCC annually contributes testimony and comments related to land conservation laws, policies, programs, and funding, as well as other priorities central to the health and wellbeing of Connecticut’s communities, environment, economy, and quality of life.