Stewardship Defined

The Land Trust’s Stewardship Program is our ongoing commitment to ensure the integrity of each conservation easement we hold. Acquiring an easement is merely the first step to lasting protection. In accepting an easement, the Land Trust is responsible for perpetual monitoring, defending, and enforcement of the easement.

Stewardship is a critical component of land protection. There are three primary facets of stewardship:

• Baseline reports and regular monitoring;
• Land restoration and enhancement; and
• Easement defense.

While easement preparations are still underway, we begin to document unique natural features and critical fish and wildlife habitat in the baseline report. A baseline report is prepared for each easement, documenting the condition of the property at the time it is put under easement. This is the first step in monitoring the health of the property over time, documenting trends and changes, and making recommendations for restoration or enhancement opportunities.

Once a property is under easement protection, we can work with the landowner to restore or enhance fish and wildlife habitat or improve property management. And finally, because it is our responsibility to ensure the protection of open space, agricultural use, and fish and wildlife habitat forever, we will legally defend the easement and all of the values it protects if necessary.

To this end, the Land Trust ensures that each project it completes has an adequate stewardship endownment to ensure the perpetual protection of the conservation values and that the Land Trust can uphold the terms of the easement.