The Natural Heritage Program has identified more than 1,500 natural areas of national, state and regional significance. While 400 of these natural areas have been protected, many are unprotected, and additional important natural areas are being discovered each year.

The Natural Heritage Program encourages the conservation of biological diversity. The program staff works with landowners to find the best ways to protect natural areas on public and private property. Landowners who place their land in the Registry of Natural Heritage Areas (Nature Preserves Act, Article 9A, Section 113) are making a voluntary, nonbinding commitment with the state to preserve the natural area. Landowners who wish to secure more permanent protection may choose to dedicate their property. Dedication permanently limits uses of the property to preserve its natural value. The terms of the dedication are negotiated between the landowner and the state, and the resulting document (similar to a conservation easement) is registered in the same manner as a deed. State agencies may also dedicate portions of the lands they manage to ensure long-term protection from other possible land uses.

LIST OF DEDICATED NATURE PRESERVES AND REGISTERED HERITAGE AREAS

Click here to download the Certification of Public Benefit for Conservation Tax Credit

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