Nova Scotia has established a legislated goal of protecting 12 per cent of the provincial land mass by 2015 (Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act). To reach this goal and to support other departmental programs and priorities, the province welcomes donations of suitable land and will work with landowners to make land donations possible.

Every parcel of land being offered for donation is reviewed by an Integrated Resource Management team to determine whether or not it supports departmental programs and values. If the offered land is considered a valuable addition to the Crown land base, the department will pay to have the land appraised. Upon completion of the donation, if requested by the donor, the Province will issue a tax receipt for the appraised market value of the lands.

From a land owner's perspective, legal considerations as well as possible income tax or capital gains implications may be associated with a donation. Anyone considering donating land should discuss this possibility with a solicitor and/or a tax advisor.

For more information on donating land to the Province please refer to the Land Donation Guidelines.