Lower Merion Conservancy

Landscape Legacies

One of the great pleasures of life in Lower Merion is the beauty of natural and historic resources; rolling topography, remarkable architecture, stunning shade trees along our streets, a network of privately maintained horseback riding trails, protected open spaces, and clean, clear creek slicing through mica-flecked rock.

Yet development pressure puts our landscape legacy at risk and Lower Merion struggles to protect open space and historic architecture. In 1993, Lower Merion possessed more than 1200 acres of private open space on 93 large properties. By 2001, only eight years later, 22% of that acreage had been developed. As open space vanishes, the very amenities that make Lower Merion desirable--clean air, special landscapes, large trees--disappear forever.

Main Line landownders often find themselves at the center of the struggle to protect their community's land and future. Deciding what to do with one's land is rarely as straightforward as choosing between conservation and development. Financial and family pressures can cause a landowner to sell to a developer, even when that land is an important part of the family's legacy or a critical part of the community landscape.

However, there are alternatives. With careful consideration of your needs and the various conservation tools available, it is possible to preserve your land forever and satisfy your financial and family goals.

The Lower Merion Conservancy was formed to preserve open space and historic architecture by helping landowners like you find beneficial ways to protect your land. We have successfully preserved properties throughout the Main Line, and continually work with your neighbors to protect new properties. (Click here for success stories)

Your interests and needs are vital to a solution that will work best for your specific situtation. There are many creative conservation strategies using outright donations, conservation easements, limited conservation-minded development plans or a combination of several conservation techniques. In some very special cases, available public and private funding may help to both meet your family's financial needs and save a critical piece of open space.

When considering protecting your land, it is crucial first to determine your level of commitment to conservation and how you might want to use your land during your lifetime. You will also want to involve your financial and legal advisors and, when appropriate, your family in reviewing conservation options and each technique's benefits and consequences.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

If you are interested in conserving your land, answering the following questions should help you develop the best possible plan for meeting your needs.

What are your long-term goals for your property? What would you like it to look like in fifty years?What is your level of commitment to conservation?Do you want or need to retain ownership?Do you or does a family member want to live on the property?What will happen to the land when you die? Will your heirs be able to keep it? Will your wishes for the land be fulfilled?What are your financial goals and obligations?

WHAT NEXT?

If appropriate, talk to your family about their hopes for the land.Talk to your legal and financial advisors about your specific sitution.Contact the Lower Merion Conservancy at 610.645.9030 or email us at lmc@dragonfly.org to discuss any and all of these options and their implications for your family’s property.

RESOURCES

To learn more about General Conservation Techniques click here.To hear success stories of others click here.To learn more about Conservation Easements click here.To learn more about Donating Your Land click here.

We welcome the opportunity to talk to your further about your land and your needs. You may call 610.645.9030 or email lmc@dragonfly.org. All requests for information will be kept confidential.

Updated: 9/22/2006 © 2010Lower Merion Conservancy. All rights reserved.

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