What Is A Land Trust? By William F. Fry, M.D.

There are many options available to people living in a democracy for fulfilling their dreams. In the U.S.A. we have a greater range of choice and greater degree of liberty than in most other countries in the world.

Dreams and principles are essential for finer quality of life. But also essential are mechanisms or tools with which those dreams and principles can be converted into actual realities. Wishing won't make it so.

It is necessary that these tools and mechanisms are effective; but it is also necessary that they be congenial in their use, that they not abuse the rights of others. Our governments have the responsibility to perform their duties in ways that are compatible with the greater good, rather than the lesser good. Tools and mechanisms that may be used by them to give reality to dreams and principles must conform to that same specification. This same stricture applies when mechanisms and instruments of actualization are to be used by private citizens. Public or private, the Golden Rule applies for all endeavors.

It became desirable some years ago to devise some private mechanism, apart from governmental process, whereby dreams could be realized, without damaging the dreams and privileges of one's neighbors. This mechanism must be available to all citizens. It must aim at the greater good, rather than being focused on the ME objectives of individuals who choose, for whatever reason, to alienate themselves from their fellows. That necessity created the development of Land Trusts.

A land trust is an opportunity. It is a public, non-governmental mechanism or instrument which can be effectively used by private citizens to accomplish preservation of their assets in a vast number of reasonable ways which are compatible to their own needs or purposes, and are congenial to the common community benefit. There are many different sorts of land trusts.

Land trusts are unique -- in their function, their purpose, their structure and their nature. They are useful and worthwhile. They are not the only mechanism available to realize dreams. But they have a unique niche which is valuable and exclusive. Increasingly during the past two decades, communities throughout the Nation, which have not had the benefit of a land trust to serve its citizens, have been forming land trusts.

The Nevada County Land Trust (NCLT) was formed to provide the citizens of this county with the benefits of this unique asset. By virtue of its privilege of existence, the NCLT has the responsibility of making known its nature and availability to the citizens. That mission is taken seriously and is being carried out in a variety of ways. Information about these programs can be obtained by phoning the NCLT headquarters at 530/265-0430.

The other side of the equation is derived from the fact that NCLT is a private, non-profit organization. It is supported in its basic functioning by dues (or gifts) from its members. If you have a need, if the idea of private citizens being able to preserve their assets appeals to you, join the Nevada County Land Trust membership. This public asset exists by virtue of the support of its membership. You will join a common purpose and will support a common need.

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