In the United States, land trusts are a form of social ownership of land. Typically, nonprofit organizations own land in trust through either a conservation land trust or a community land trust. The two types of land trusts are different from each other in origin, use, and intent. Conservation land trusts are nonprofit organizations that conserve land in perpetuity for natural, recreational, scenic, historic, and productive uses. Community [Page 435]land trusts are nonprofit organizations that typically own land to provide a perpetually affordable stock of housing for low- and moderate-income households; however, other uses are possible.

There are more than 1,500 conservation land trusts in the United States. Conservation land trusts either own land or are the recipients of conservation easements. Landowners sell or donate land ...