Practice 12B: Land Management and Stewardship

This guidance covers Practice 12B, which includes four elements:

1. ⬤ Develop a written land management plan for each conservation property (■) within 12 months after acquiring the land to:

   1. ⬤ a. Identify the property’s conservation values, including any significant cultural and natural features or those that have significant community value

   2. ⬤ b. Identify the overall management goals for the property

   3. ⬤ c. Identify activities to achieve the goals and to reduce any risks or threats to the conservation values

   4. ⬤ d. Specify the uses that are appropriate for the property, in keeping with the property’s conservation values, any restrictions and donor or funder requirements

      1. i. Provide public access opportunities as appropriate to the property and the land trust’s mission

2. Manage each conservation property in accordance with its management plan, and review and update the plan as necessary

3. Perform administrative duties (such as paying insurance, filing required forms, keeping records) in a timely and responsible manner

4. Maintain the property in a manner that retains the land trust’s public credibility, manages community expectations and minimizes risk

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

May 2026 update: Updated accreditation requirements for Practice Element 12B1 to reflect the 2026 Requirements Manual.