How We Work

We preserve significant battlefield land in perpetuity by working with willing sellers and utilizing well-established conservation strategies; chiefly, through fee simple transactions and conservation easements.

In order to determine the suitability of a particular property, we first consult the landmark studies prepared by the American Battlefield Protection Program, an arm of the National Park Service.  These robust reports commissioned by Congress examined the more than 13,000 battles and skirmishes of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War, and identified the principal sites most worthy of preservation.

Once we determine whether a prospective property is situated on an ABPP-listed battlefield, we utilize our Geographic Information System (“GIS”) computerized mapping capabilities to locate it in relation to the historic landscape. If a property is within the recognized boundary of an eligible battlefield, we next determine what conservation strategy is best suited to the project, recognizing that each opportunity presents a unique situation. 

Fee Simple Transactions transfer ownership of a property. If the Trust acquires the land for less than the fair market value, the landowners may receive tax benefits. Some landowners choose to retain a life estate, meaning they have the right to live at and use the property until their death, or a leaseback option.

Conservation Easements are legal agreements in which a land trust or government entity restricts future activities on the land to protect its conservation values in perpetuity. Ownership of the land does not change hands. This is an attractive option that protects family land in perpetuity without selling it and may provide federal and state income, as well as estate tax benefits. Landowners are encouraged to seek advice for tax and legal matters. Each easement is negotiated individually, but in general, they disallow residential and commercial development, utility-scale solar farms, mining, and other activities that would harm the property while maintaining protections for agriculture.

Once the American Battlefield Trust determines the best preservation strategy, the Trust must determine how to pay for the transaction.  Funding for battlefield preservation projects generally comes from member donations and federal, state, and local government matching grants — most notably Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants through the National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program. However, contributions by other nonprofit organizations, foundation grants and landowner donations of value also play a role.

To discuss possible battlefield land preservation project, please contact our Land Preservation Department.