George,

"Conservancy officials, the memo said, worried that the charity would be portrayed as if it had 'systematically colluded with wealthy individuals and corporations to conduct land transactions that manipulate the tax code to the benefit of the affluent."

Years ago when I co-owned a 76 acre parcel of land, I was rebuffed by a member of the NC who said our parcel was too small for them. We were hoping to get surrounding farms to donate but I was very turned off by the folks from NC. I support their work but the reason they have this image is that there is an element of truth here.

Peggy Law (electronic mail, May 7, 2003)