Will easement incentives be extended?
February 26, 2008
Act now or forever lose your easement. A tax break for conservation-related land donations-known as conservation easements-is about to expire. That is unless Congress does something about it.
The tax break, signed into law by President Bush in August 2006, vastly expanded the deductions landowners could get in exchange for donating their lands to trusts and surrendering the right to develop those lands. But unless the tax break is extended, it will only apply to lands donated in 2006 or 2007. Read more
ATV riders face new laws on public land
February 26, 2008
Whether you’re tearing it up in an off-road vehicle or all torn up about their impact on the land, you’ll probably want to know about the tongue-twisting new advocacy group known as Rangers for Responsible Recreation. The group, backed by Washington, D.C.-based lobbying outfit Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), may be the most influential so far to push for broader regulations on off-roaders riding on public lands. And their efforts could have a spillover effect on private properties. Read more
North Carolina land disappearing quickly
February 22, 2008
Development could devour nearly 2 million acres of North Carolina’s cropland and forestland over the next 20 years, according to a report by the Environment North Carolina Research & Policy Center. Read more
Should I take a developer up on the offer of a free vacation?
February 19, 2008
Q:What’s your take on free vacations to look at a new development? A good deal? Read more
Tom Brokaw
February 15, 2008
NBC’s Tom Brokaw shared the evening news with millions of Americans each and every night for decades as anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News. Since stepping down in 2004, he has kept a busy scheduling, writing books, pitching in on busy news nights, and producing documentaries for NBC. He’s also had ample opportunity to spend a lot more time on a beautiful piece of ranchland he owns in Montana. Click inside to listen in as Land Report Editor Eric O’Keefe interviews Tom Brokaw about life along the Madison River. Read more
Buying land differs greatly from buying a house
February 13, 2008
Residential real estate is a whole different ball game than the rural variety, and purchasing property in the great unknown is a big step for any urban dweller. Here are a few of the more important items to consider before taking the plunge. Read more
Laws protect landowners from liability
February 12, 2008
The State of Independence has liberated landowners in a case that may set a national precedent. Earlier this summer, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell signed a law granting new protections to landowners who open their property to sportsmen and others for recreational purposes. Read more
What is a conservation easement?
February 12, 2008
Q: What is a conservation easement? Read more
What is a deed reservation?
February 11, 2008
Q: I’ve heard that not all properties come with mineral rights. How do I find out if there is a reservation in the deed? Read more
Will Texas land prices continue to rise?
February 10, 2008
Q: What effect do you think the continued weakening of the value of U.S. dollar will have on Texas rural property prices/values? Will they hold their own by becoming more attractive to foreign investors - and/or as a safe haven as a tangible asset for U.S. investors - or will they begin to lose because of the weakening housing market and its ripple effect on the economy? Read more
