Drafting and Managing Baseline Documentation Reports

Baseline documentation reports form the foundation of an effective land conservation program. By recording the condition of the land at the time of an easement signing and supporting the terms of the easement, documentation is critical in identifying conservation values as well as changes to the land over time, whether human or natural. Baselines also serve as a great educational tool for successor owners of easement properties and are a critical component to defending your easement in court. Join stewardship experts Rick Remington from Landmark Conservancy and Megan Knott from Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, as they discuss how to draft and manage your baselines.   

Here’s a look at what we will cover:   

• The basics components of creating useful, effective baselines and current condition reports. 

• IRS requirements for baselines, as well as baseline requirements outlined in Land Trust Standards and Practices and the Accreditation Requirements Manual. 

• How to read your easement to develop an appropriate and useful document. 

• How to know when your baseline is due for updating.  

• Tips for creating a plan to address baseline backlog or general updates.