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Land Preservation

The guiding principle of Steep Rock Association’s land preservation initiative is to protect property with high conservation and/or passive recreational value in both a local and regional context.

Our accomplishments contribute to both the Town of Washington and State of Connecticut’s goals of permanently protecting open space. Steep Rock currently manages over 5,700 acres, promoting healthy and functioning ecosystems, preserving working lands, protecting natural resources, and offering recreational opportunities.

Preservation Partnerships

Steep Rock has a very successful track record of partnering with municipal, state, and federal agencies, local associations, and conservation-minded landowners to protect the most important land to wildlife and people alike.

If you are interested in conserving your property and supporting Steep Rock's mission, you have options and we would be pleased to begin a discussion.

Our land transactions encompass both fee-title acquisitions and conservation easement conveyances. Fee-title transactions entail the complete transfer of property ownership. Conservation easements, however, allow grantors to retain property ownership, but an agreement is executed that restricts certain uses to protect the land's conservation value.

Donate

Steep Rock accepts donations of fee-title and conservation easements. Donors are entitled to a charitable contribution for tax deduction purposes. For fee-title acquisitions, the amount is equal to the fair market value of the gifted land. For conservation easements, the amount is the difference between the fair market value before and after the easement.

Sell

Steep Rock pursues the purchase of property that holds exceptional value and meets several prioritized criteria. Purchases at fair market value are often dependent on our ability to obtain funding from multiple sources. Any purchase below fair market value constitutes a bargain sale, where the difference between the sale price and fair market value is considered a charitable contribution.

Landowner Testimonial

In 2019, Steep Rock Association acquired Johnson Farm. The preservation of this 52-acre tract atop West Mountain ensures the property will remain agricultural land, preserving the rich heritage of farming in Connecticut and enduring the Johnson Family's long history of its stewardship. Hear from Jack Johnson about what the land's protection and Steep Rock Association's role means to him.

Make A Difference

Your donation today helps Steep Rock Association protect and steward special places for you to learn about nature and explore the great outdoors.

Step into the intimate world of Diana Weymar’s textile art with an exclusive private preview of her latest exhibition, Everything I Touched, August 24 – October 19, 2024 with Kathy McCarver of KMR Arts. This private preview not only showcases Weymar’s distinctive pieces but also offers an in-depth look at the artist’s creative process and the motivations behind her work, which McCarver describes as an “intimate and human antidote to our loud, impersonal, mass-marketed world.” Private opening of the artist or preview before the opening with small group of people. Propose you pick an artist you’re excited about and do a private preview with cocktails and discussion.


Courtesy of: KMR Arts

Opening Bid: $250
Value: $400

Matching Gifts

 Did you know many companies match donations made by employees, employees’ spouses, and retirees, allowing employees to DOUBLE their generosity and impact? 

Contact your employer today to see if they will match your gift.

QCDs

 If you are 70½ years of age or older, you can take advantage of a popular gift option called a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) also known as a IRA charitable rollover.  QCDs offer simple ways to benefit Steep Rock and receive tax benefits in return.

To learn more, visit here.

Stock or Wire

If you’d like to give a gift via wire or stock, please reach out to gifts@steeprockassoc.org for our account information.

DAF

You can donate through your donor advised fund in just three clocks on our website
When granting through your donor-advised fund, please use the following information:

Our legal name: Steep Rock Association, Inc.
Tax ID: #06-6069060
Mailing address: PO Box 279, Washington Depot, CT 06794

Check Donations

Please make checks payable to Steep Rock Association. Our mailing address is:

Steep Rock Association
PO Box 279
Washington Depot, CT 06794