Legacy Land Trust Society
The Legacy Land Trust Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization and registered charity (Business Registration Number: 801780834RR0001) focused on land conservation in Central Alberta. Established in 2013, it works to protect ecologically sensitive, agriculturally significant, and heritage-valued lands through partnerships with landowners, municipalities, and communities[1][2][3].

Mission and Vision

The society’s mission centers on engaging communities to conserve landscapes with ecological, agricultural, or heritage importance. Its vision emphasizes fostering a shared commitment to stewardship and sustainable land use[2].

Conservation Activities

Legacy Land Trust employs conservation easements, voluntary legal agreements that restrict land development while allowing owners to retain ownership. These easements may qualify landowners for charitable tax receipts or financial incentives[5]. The organization prioritizes collaborative stewardship, conducting annual monitoring and providing landowners with support such as eco-gift application assistance and cost-shared appraisals[4].

Geographic Focus

Initially active in Mountain View County, the society expanded its efforts to Red Deer County, Lacombe County, and neighboring regions. Its formation responded to mounting development pressures threatening Central Alberta’s fertile farmlands and natural habitats[2][4].

Governance and Funding

A board of directors governs the organization, which originated from community-driven efforts in the mid-2000s. Funding sources include individual donations, corporate partnerships, government grants, and a dedicated stewardship endowment[4][5].

Conservation Programs

Legacy Land Trust supports riparian and range health assessments and collaborates with initiatives like ALUS (Alternative Land Use Services) in Mountain View County. It also organizes educational workshops and projects like “Land Stories” to document cultural and environmental connections to conserved lands[4].

Organization Structure

The society operates with a focus on transparency and landowner engagement, ensuring conservation strategies align with landowners’ goals. It is developing a legal defense fund to uphold easement agreements and protect conserved lands long-term[4].