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VIII. LTC
LTC is a Michigan nonprofit organization described in
section 170(c) and exempt from Federal income tax under section
501(c)(3). LTC has more than 4,200 members and is the largest
membership-supported nonprofit organization in northern Michigan.
LTC’s current endowment fund is $4 million. LTC’s endowment fund
from 1992 through 1995 was between $1.25 and $2.5 million.
LTC has operated for more than three decades to preserve
land and wilderness in trust for conservation and for the
recreation and education of the people of Michigan. LTC’s
purpose is to protect the natural integrity and scenic beauty of
northern Michigan for the enjoyment of future generations.12 LTC
supports its purpose by: (1) Acquiring property by contribution
or purchase, (2) obtaining easements such as the conservation
easements by gift or through purchase, and (3) educating the
public about the purposes of LTC. LTC currently owns
approximately 75 miles of shoreline on rivers, lakes, and streams
in northern Michigan.
When a landowner contributes an easement to LTC, LTC
typically also asks for and receives a cash contribution from
that landowner. The cash contribution is meant to help LTC
monitor and, if necessary, enforce the terms of the easement.
12 In this context, the “natural integrity” of the land
includes its ecosystem concept which refers to the protection of
the ecosystem of wildlife, fish, plants, and animals.
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