Preserve your land

Land Protection

The Ojai Valley is known for its rural character and extraordinary views. Many elements come together to make Ojai a special place to live, work, and play: the smell of orange blossoms in the spring, the Pink Moment, miles of trails to explore, and families spending springtime at their favorite swimming holes. Protecting Ojai’s natural resources protects what makes Ojai special.

OVLC continues to prioritize acquisition of land and conservation easements in riparian areas, viewshed lands, lands adjacent to current preserves, and agricultural lands. However, with climate change intensifying the effects of heat and drought on our natural communities, OVLC is expanding our land protection priorities to include lands that foster climate resilience across the valley.

Acquisition of a parcel of land is the most direct form of land conservation. In an acquisition, OVLC obtains full ownership of a parcel of land for permanent protection and may open it for public access, protect it in its natural state, or restore it to improve ecological functions. We collaborate with willing landowners in the valley to acquire properties that fit our conservation goals.
A conservation easement is similar to other types of easements (such as a right of way easement) in that the landowner retains ownership of their land. A conservation easement restricts land uses that may harm the conservation values of the property and can also include restoration activities to enhance its condition. A conservation easement can be donated by or purchased from the landowner. Lands with conservation easements can still be sold or handed down to the next generation. Since lands with conservation easements are still private, most do not allow public access.
In addition to the satisfaction of knowing that your property will be protected in perpetuity, there are also some tax or financial benefits that may be available if land is donated in whole or in part. However, OVLC will also purchase land if funding can be obtained.
Conservation easements have value that can be bought or sold just like any other interest in land. While a conservation easement may be purchased, federal and state tax laws offer generous tax benefits for easement donations; a conservation easement may also help avoid or diminish an estate tax burden. Since each situation is unique, we encourage landowners to contact us to discuss their situation and goals.
If you’re interested in learning more about the different options that might be available and how you can make a permanent impact, please visit our Guide to Land Protection or reach out to us!

Protect Your Land Forever

At the core of OVLC’s mission is the permanent protection of the natural landscapes and open spaces that define the Ojai Valley. We work with interested landowners to develop a conservation outcome that best suits their land and objectives while maximizing conservation benefits. Since every situation is unique, we welcome community inquiries and are happy to explore different options with you.

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Please fill out the form or contact the Executive Director (executivedirector@ovlc.org or (805) 649-6852 x 1) if you have a property that you would like to have considered for preservation in perpetuity.