A land trust is a nonprofit organization that can assist waterfront property owners who wish to voluntarily conserve their properties through the granting of conservation easements. Likewise, local governments may work with land trusts to manage and maintain public access areas. In both circumstances, the land subject to the trust is managed by the land trust, for the purposes set out in the trust agreement. These purposes can include preservation for a variety of purposes, and may include preservation of land for public access to the water.
The following organizations can provide more resources to private landowners interested in granting conservation easements. Public users can also find additional information about local preservation and access efforts in coastal Alabama.
Land Trusts Operating in Alabama
The Weeks Bay Foundation is a non-profit organization whose members provide assistance and support to the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve's goals and programs.
Alabama Land Trust
The Alabama Land Trust has a number of focus areas, including working lands, riparian corridors, lands linking other protected lands. In 2006, through a facilitated process, the Alabama Land Trust created an explicitly stated strategic plan to guide our efforts in those focus areas.
Forever Wild
The Forever Wild Program was established in 1992, by constitutional amendment, to provide for the purchase of public recreational lands. Since its inception, the program has purchased lands for general recreation, nature preserves, additions to Wildlife Management Areas and state parks.
Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation
The Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation is a coalition of 30 local, regional, and national conservation organizations that work in the Gulf Coast region within the five Gulf of Mexico states – Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Its mission is to increase the quality and permanence of voluntary land and water conservation within the coastal region. The member organizations work with private landowners and local communities to protect the most important natural resources and beautiful landscapes in the region: ranchlands, mangrove forests, bays, bayous, estuaries, fresh water springs, longleaf pine forests, as well as sandy beaches and barriers islands. The Gulf Partnership operates under the umbrella of the Land Trust Alliance and is governed by an executive committee made of leaders from partner organizations.
Land Trust Alliance
The Land Trust Alliance unites and champions organizations in local communities working to save natural areas.
Trust for Public Land
The Trust for Public Land is a land conservation and open space resource for landowners, government agencies, and community groups interested in protecting land for human enjoyment.
The Nature Conservancy
A nationally recognized conservation group, The Nature Conservancy has a number of protected areas along the coast that preserve portions of the coastal ecology for all to see. The Nature Conservancy also provides technical assistance to groups and individuals who may be interested in land preservation.