Historically, owners of farmland and timberland have gotten a break on property taxes if they commit to keep their lands in agricultural or silvicultural production. The property is taxed at a lower "present use value" rate, rather than fair market value. However, if these landowners decide to manage their lands for wildlife or conservation purposes rather than for commercial production, they became ineligible for the tax break. 

Latest News

July 16, 2008 - Victory!  The General Assembly passed H1889, Wildlife Land Property Tax Changes. Advocates have been working for a number of years to get this new law, which extends eligibility for the present use value tax program to landowners who manage lands (20 acres or more) for wildlife benefits. 

Links

Environmental Defense information on Present Use Value (pdf document)

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