In exceptional cases, high quality sites are sometimes considered for purchase by conservation organizations such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada, local land trusts or other environmental/stewardship groups. These groups may be prepared to raise funds to purchase the most significant properties.

A landowner may choose to donate all or part of their land to a conservation organization to ensure the wildlife habitat is protected forever. Lands that qualify as ecologically sensitive are eligible under the federal government's Ecological Gifts Program where individuals receive a federal tax credit (corporations receive a deduction) for the value of the land donated. The amount of the credit or deduction is 17% of the first $200 of land value and 29% of the remaining. Only 25% of the capital gain associated with the donation in taxable.