Governing Principles
Stewardship requires stewards.
Keeping productive rural lands in private hands and under private management is the best way to conserve Texas’ natural resources. Texas Agricultural Land Trust is committed to the conservation of working lands. In Texas, “agriculture” is a broad umbrella that encompasses a range of agricultural activities including wildlife management. Texas Ag Land Trust will consider potential easement donations on any type of agricultural land that meets the requirements for donated conservation easements under IRS regulations.
Focus only on private lands.
Texas Ag Land Trust refuses to acquire conservation easements that will end up in public hands or that involve condemnation. Texas Ag Land Trust’s mission is to conserve private lands. We are interested in helping farmers and ranchers stay on the land and pass their property down to future generations. Texas Ag Land Trust does not function as an agent for government agencies. We acquire only those easements that we intend and are able to hold in perpetuity.
Help landowners protect their lands.
Texas Ag Land Trust does not seek to hold title to land. Our mission is to help private landowners realize their own conservation goals.
Trust the landowner to manage.
Texas Ag Land Trust believes that the landowner knows best how to manage his or her property. We are interested in conserving open space, thereby preventing the loss of rural land to development or the fragmentation of properties into smaller and smaller parcels.
Respect landowner rights.
The donation of an agricultural conservation easement does not require the landowner to provide public access, nor does Texas Ag Land Trust require it. That decision rests solely with the landowner.
Uphold donor intentions.
Assure donors that their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given. TALT handles all donations with respect and confidentiality to the fullest extent provided by the law. Donors will receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.