With the number of new land trusts topping 1,200 in
this country, it’s not surprising that even the Washington,
D.C.-based Humane Society of the United States has come on board.
Its Wildlife Land Trust has protected 46,391 acres in 18 states,
including recent additions of 500 acres in northern California and
1,280 acres in southwest New Mexico. Most land trusts exist to
protect open space or habitat for wildlife, but the Humane Society
is perhaps stricter in what it prohibits: hunting, trapping and
logging. The sanctuaries attempt to create a “safe and nurturing
environment, free from harmful human interference.” As with other
land trusts, people who donate conservation easements receive tax
deductions.
The Wildlife Land Trust can be
reached at 800/729-SAVE or on the Web at www.wlt.org.
*Lin Alder
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Home Free.
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