The Importance of Strategic Conservation Planning

While each strategic land conservation plan will be unique, there are certain topics that should be included in all plans. Each of the suggested outline topics is accompanied by a general estimate (high, medium or low) of the intensity of resources (time or money) that the topic requires from the land trust. Items that the land trust has already created or can easily generate in-house are rated as low intensity.

While the details of strategic conservation planning are as unique as each land trust, there are four common steps land trusts take in crafting effective plans

Identify specific conservation priorities consistent with the land trust’s mission and goals.

In 2021 the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust began the process of reviewing and

revisioning its 10-Year Strategic Conservation Plan, last updated in 2011.

This is sample language for a codicil to bequeath a conservation easement in a will from the accredited Vermont Land Trust.

A sample conservation plan from the accredited Maine Coast Heritage Trust to help guide the negotiator of a conservation easement through initial conservation planning discussions with easement grantors.

This is a sample public policy practice from the accredited Jefferson Land Trust.

This is an investment and spending policy from the accredited Land Trust for Santa Barbara County.

 This is a sample of conservation priorities from the accredited North Florida Land Land Trust.