Safeguarding conservation

Terrafirma offers one-of-a-kind coverage for land trusts to offset the costs of legal action to defend the public liability for land owned by a land trust and conservation easements.

In 2011, the Alliance formed Terrafirma Risk Retention Group, LLC, to meet land trusts’ unique need to prepare for the legal costs of conservation defense. Terrafirma is a tax-exempt organization that is owned exclusively by its members — over 500 land trusts across the nation.

Land trust members of the Alliance have a complimentary affiliate membership to the Nonprofit Risk Management Center! Affiliate Members enjoy a buffet of exclusive resources that help them develop in-house risk management expertise and custom risk management plans and policies, plus insurance analysis resources, the best in nonprofit governance and free fast answers to quick questions about nonprofit management.

If you have not already accessed this benefit, you can create an account to start your Affiliate Member benefits, click on the Affiliate login located in the upper right corner and follow the prompts.

The discipline of risk management offers principles, tools, frameworks and strategies land trust board and staff can employ to fulfill their responsibilities to their land trusts, including how they will steward the land they conserve, while also ensuring the proper use and protection of financial, human and other assets essential to advance the mission of the land trust.

The Practical Pointer Series contain practical tips to help land trusts stay informed and navigate the risks associated with specific legal challenges in land conservation. Topics range from mortgage subordination to managing neighbor disputes.

The Land Trust Alliance is not rendering legal, accounting or other professional counsel. If a land trust requires legal advice or other expert assistance, seek the services of competent professionals.