In accepting the donation of a conservation easement, the Teton Regional Land Trust (TRLT) assumes a permanent responsibility to insure the integrity and terms of the easement restrictions on a property. We must monitor the property on a yearly basis. Further, TRLT must have the capability to defend the easement 10, 20, even 200 years from now. These are responsibilities that the Land Trust assumes IN PERPETUITY.

For those reasons, we ask the easement donor to consider contributing a Stewardship Contribution. This money is used solely for the purpose of overseeing the easement. Specifically, the Stewardship Contribution covers these costs:

1. Documentation:
   TRLT prepares a Baseline Report documenting land use history, natural and geologic features, vegetative cover, soil features, wildlife inventory, and any man-made structures. Topographic and aerial maps of the property are prepared along with a detailed boundary map if a survey does not exist. On-site photos are taken and keyed to points on the property. We also prepare recommendations for property resource enhancements, such as improvements to fish and wildlife habitats and grazing management. This report is critical for documenting the condition of the property at the time of the easement donation and may be essential should the easement ever be violated. A baseline survey is a requirement for landowners wishing to claim an income tax deduction. The landowner and Land Trust, both of who keep copies, sign the report.
2. Monitoring: TRLT will visit the property at least annually to survey the land first hand and prepare a site report. This visit is necessary to insure that the terms of the easement are being met and to document the condition of the property on an annual basis.
3. Legal Defense: Part of the endowment will build TRLT's legal defense capabilities. Over time, there may be violations of the easement restrictions. TRLT needs to be prepared to defend restrictions through litigation if voluntary means fail.

The Stewardship Donation is a suggested charitable donation and is not a prerequisite for acceptance of a conservation easement. The Land Trust calculates a suggested donation to cover stewardship for each specific property. The Stewardship Donation could be made in installments if the landowner prefers. As a contribution to Teton Regional Land Trust, a 501(c)3 corporation, and public charitable organization, the Stewardship Donation is fully tax deductible.