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Land Donation Guidelines

The following explains the National Park Trust's policy and procedures relative to land donations. The purpose of this Land Donation Guideline is to provide direction to staff and the NPT Board when considering donations and to avoid possible conflicts of interest for the organization.

I. Evaluation of Donations

All potential donations shall be reviewed by:

A) Staff
B) Gift Committee
C) Board of Trustees

II. Environmental Audit

NPT may require that a gift of land be subject to an independent environmental audit. All donations will be accepted only upon completion of NPT's project checklist. The subject property should be declared free from toxic and/or hazardous substances. In the above cases, NPT may require the donor to conduct the audit by a qualified environmental engineer. NPT reserves the right to request the potential donor indemnify NPT against liability.

III. Title Search

All donated property is subject to a survey and title search to provide a legal description and identify any encumbrances.

IV. Management Assessment

NPT staff is to prepare a draft management plan for the land donation. The plan should provide an initial analysis of its residual value and an assessment of the long-term management costs associated with the protection of the property. The plan should be submitted to the Board (or the Executive Committee) for its consideration and recommendation prior to acceptance of the gift.

V. Appraisal

NPT encourages donors to obtain a competent appraisal by a qualified appraiser. The donor must attach a copy of the appraisal signed by the appraiser and by NPT to his/her tax return.

VI. Limitations on: Gifts of Real Estate

NPT does not encourage gifts of real estate with a life time interest.

VII. Deed of Conveyance:

A deed of conveyance must be approved by the NPT Board (or the Executive Committee) before the donation is accepted.

VIII. Acceptance of Donation:

Acceptance of the land gift upon completion of all procedural steps will be accomplished with the approval of the:

A) Executive Committee
B) Board
C) Gift Committee