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 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 begin to work with the landowner to restore or enhance fish and wildlife habitat or agricultural/forest 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 defend the easement and all of the values it protects if necessary.