Land Preservation, either through direct ownership or the purchase of conservation easements, has been undertaken by the federal, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, as well as recognized Virginia tribes.
The House Appropriations Committee uses state resources through the Virginia Land Conservation Fund and the Land Preservation Tax Credit to support this work.
Budget Overview
The Appropriations Act supports the conservation of land through multiple avenues, from direct authorizations for land purchases by entities such as the Department of Conservation and Recreation, to supporting the purchase of conservation easements through the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation. Virginia has also received support from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund since its establishment in 1965, and has received more than $125 million in that period to support the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas by local and state government agencies and authorities, as well as Virginia tribes.
The primary way the Appropriations Act supports land conservation is through the Virginia Land Conservation Fund, which is administered by the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation. Since FY 2022, the appropriation to the Virginia Land Conservation Fund has totaled $16 million per year. The Foundation annually awards grants from the funds in each of five categories: farmland preservation, forestland preservation, historic area preservation, natural area preservation, and open spaces and parks.
The Commonwealth also incentivizes the conservation of land through the Land Preservation Tax Credit (LPTC). The LPTC allows an income tax credit for 40% of the value of donated land or conservation easement, with a limit of $20,000 per year per taxpayer for a period of ten years. Since 2015, the maximum annual aggregate for available to be claimed through the LPTC is $75 million. To be eligible for the LPTC, easements must be conveyed for the purpose of agriculture or forestry use, open space, or preservation of natural, watershed, or historic resources.
Program / Policy Highlights
- Virginia Land Conversation Fund Quality
Between 1999 and 2024, a total of $118.6 million was appropriated to the Virginia Land Conservation Fund. This funding was used by the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation to protect nearly 270,000 acres in the Commonwealth.
- Virginia Land Preservation Tax Credit
Allows an income tax credit for 40% of the value of land donated or placed into an easement, up to $20,000
- Land Conversation by Owner
| Entity | Acres Under Easement | Acres Directly Owned | Total Acres Conserved |
| Federal govt. | 14,693 | 2,339,669 | 2,354,361 |
| State govt. | 1,005,923 | 452,040 | 1,457,963 |
| Local govt. | 50,135 | 110,464 | 160,599 |
| Non-Profit | 258,339 | 106,351 | 2,321 |
| Tribal | – | 2,311 | 2,321 |
| Total, by Category | 1,329,090 | 3,010,845 | 4,339,935 |
Reports and Presentations
Resources and Deep Dives
Staff Contact
