Practice 11B: Baseline Documentation Report

This guidance covers Practice 11B, which has three elements:

1. ⬤ For each conservation easement, have a baseline documentation report (■), with written descriptions, maps and photographs, that documents:

   1. ⬤ a. The conservation values protected by the easement

   2. ⬤ b. The relevant conditions of the property as necessary to monitor and enforce the easement

2. ⬤ Prepare the report prior to closing and have it signed by the landowner and land trust at or prior to closing

   1. ⬤ a. In the event that seasonal conditions prevent the completion of a full baseline

      documentation report by closing, the landowner and land trust sign a schedule

      for finalizing the full report and an acknowledgement of interim data [that for

      donations and bargain sales meets Treasury Regulation §1.170A-14(g)(5)(i)]

      at closing

3. ⬤ When there are significant changes to the land or the conservation easement (such as a result of an amendment or the exercise of a permitted right), document those changes in an appropriate manner, such as through monitoring reports, a baseline supplement or current conditions report

⬤ Accreditation indicator element | ■ Terrafirma enrollment prerequisite | ▲ Required for both

May 2026 update: Updated accreditation requirements for Practice Elements 11B1 and 11B3 to reflect the 2026 Requirements Manual.