The Southern Calvert Land Trust (SCLT) established its Land Donation Program to guide potential donors and provide procedures for evaluating gifts of real property. Each donation is considered individually, with the central goal of preserving open space and protecting natural, scenic, ecological, and historic resources in Southern Calvert County.
SCLT accepts land donations under Maryland law, with deeds recorded locally. Donations are perpetual—land cannot be sold or transferred except to another qualified land trust. SCLT assumes responsibility for long-term management and monitoring, including ensuring properties remain free of hazardous impacts.
The program emphasizes cooperation with other conservation groups and government agencies to complement broader land protection initiatives. When properties include historic or architectural features, SCLT coordinates with the Maryland Historical Trust for potential preservation easements.
Eligible donations must serve valid conservation purposes, such as protecting natural habitats, farmland, forestland, scenic landscapes, or historically important areas. Priority is given to lands that are undeveloped but potentially developable, contain significant habitats or Chesapeake Bay buffers, connect with other preserved lands, discourage sprawl, or strengthen ecological corridors. Specialized categories include Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas, significant rivers, rare species habitats, and lands under imminent development pressure.
While larger parcels are generally handled by other trusts, SCLT encourages donations of parcels under 25 acres. Larger tracts may be accepted if they protect critical resources, face immediate threats, or have strong community support. Development on donated land is prohibited; properties remain undivided and preserved in their natural state.
The donation process involves landowner application, title review, site inspection, Board evaluation, possible appraisal, legal drafting, and submission to authorities. Processing typically requires one to two months, though SCLT may expedite when needed. The Trust covers recordation and related costs up to $200.
Through these policies, SCLT ensures donated lands are permanently protected for ecological, cultural, and community benefit, while providing donors confidence in the lasting stewardship of their gift.
Interested in donating land? Please get in touch with us!
Land Donation and Conservation Easements
SCLT Conservation Programs
Land Donation Program
This document defines the procedures and policies of the Southern Calvert Land Trust (SCLT) for its Land Donation Program. It is intended to aid potential donors of conservation lands in selecting an appropriate organization for their gift and to establish a set of guidelines for the SCLT Board of Directors (Board). This statement is intended to guide rather than limit the actions of the SCLT. Land donations offered to the SCLT will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Conservation Easement Program
This document defines the procedures and policies of the Southern Calvert Land Trust (SCLT) for its Conservation Easement Program. It is intended to aid potential donors of conservation lands in selecting an appropriate organization for their gift and to establish a set of guidelines for the SCLT Board of Directors (Board). This statement is intended to guide rather than limit the actions of the SCLT. Easement donations offered to the SCLT will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Land Suitability Determination Document
Conservation Easement Scoring Document
