Sample Letter to Jim Gerlach How to Use: Simply, highlight the entire letter, press CTRL-C (to copy) and then load the program you use to write letters and press CTRL-V (to paste). Then personalize it to your satisfaction. The Honorable Jim Gerlach 308 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Re: Farm Bill Provision for Conservation Tax Deduction TODAY'S DATE, 2008 Dear Congressman Gerlach: As a resident of Worcester Township, I am concerned about the possible loss of the federal income tax deduction for donations and bargain sales of conservation easements and land to land trust organizations. Worcester is a largely rural township at the edge of a growing metropolitan area, and we have been very fortunate to be the beneficiary of conservation easement donations and bargain sales by our residents and landowners to various land trusts. As a result, hundreds of acres of prime farmland and wildlife habitat have been preserved in our area, with more "in the pipeline." This preservation could not have been undertaken with a limited municipal budget alone, and much of it would not have occurred without the substantial tax advantages accruing to the landowners as a result of their generosity. We have seen first-hand the beneficial results of current tax policy. I therefore urge that you do all you can to promote the acceptance by the House of the current provisions of Section 12203 of the Senate version of the Farm Bill, extending the current tax exemptions. I am aware that many private conservation groups, including the Pennsylvania Land Trust Alliance, are supporting such continuation of the exemptions. I also urge you to support one of the most valuable tools in the preservationist toolkit. Cordially, YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS