A donation to the Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) will create the 15th property under the organization’s care.
On Tuesday, NLT announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding for the future acquisition of more than 80 acres of land just east of the town of Castleton.
President Rob Kennedy says donor Dari Haddon has cared for the property as if it were a nature reserve since she purchased it in 2007.
The property is mostly forested with several small streams running through it, as well as a large pond.
A broad selection of trees including old hemlock and white pine grows there, some of considerable age.
The southern-most part has a small hayfield which is attractive to grassland species.
Kennedy adds, “Only walking has taken place on the trails in the forest, and there has been no off-road vehicle use on the property.”
Haddon began the process of donating the property in 2023.
Her home will be severed from the surrounding property so that she can continue to live there.
She also wishes to remain the steward of the land, and will become a member of the NLT’s Stewardship Committee.
The NLT will apply to the Ecogift program which could exempt the donation from any capital gains if it qualifies.
Kennedy says, “Donations of land have tax implications and require an appraisal, severance, surveys, legal documents and township approval, and this process can cost up to $40,000 as well as ongoing stewardship costs. Donations are key to covering these expenses.”
People can donate through the NLT’s website at nltrust.ca or contact the organization at info@nltrust.ca or 416-220-6807.
