Along with building a land trust comes the learning of a new language. A question that arises from time to time is: what do you — the Land Trust — mean by "stewardship"?

Accepting a conservation easement — restriction is also a term used — is much like becoming a parent. When the Land Trust accepts a conservation easement on a parcel of property from a property owner, it has also accepted a responsibility of protection for all foreseeable future. To paraphrase from our Business Plan.... Each project involving a protective easement must be monitored to assure that the owner’s intent is carried out.... These monitoring activities require a critical planning process and a methodical follow-up and management program... there are recording, follow-up procedures, archiving and, in addition, there is actual physical viewing of the properties on a regular basis.

Our Executive Director, with her professional skills, is responsible along with the Board of Directors for these management procedures. It is no accident that at least half of our Directors have specific professional skills and experience in land acquisition and management of one sort or another. We also rely on the pro bono services of volunteer professionals in the community. Each property owner who donates a conservation easement provides a Steward Fee specifically designated to that particular property’s stewardship needs. However, in addition, critical Land Trust administration support is needed. Membership and donor dollars not only assist us in the choice and acquisition of conservation easements, they also make significant contribution to the administration costs which are essential to fulfilling the mission of the Land Trust.

 Warm regards,