PRESERVING BOTH LAND AND OWNERSHIP Some people think the only way to preserve their land in an undeveloped state is to donate or sell it to a government agency such as Open Space. However, some land owners may not like how Open Space opens the land up to the public or how they care for the land. The management of the Flying-J property is one example that may give pause to landowners. There is another alternative. Conservation easements are a popular method for ranchers, farmers and other owners of large undeveloped tracts of land to retain ownership of their land while protecting it from development. The use of such easements can also yield substantial estate, income and property tax benefits for owners and their heirs. The Mountain Area Land Trust (MALT) seeks to protect the natural character of the community and facilitates conservation easements, while allowing landowners to maintain private access and use of the land. MALT can be contacted at info@savetheland.org or (303) 679-0950. Call to learn of the many advantages of conservation easements and to clear up the many myths concerning them.