|
|
|
Stewardship of Conservation Easements
The Conservancy believes that the best way to ensure that
the terms of conservation easements are honored is to
build strong partnerships. Engaging landowners on an
annual basis to provide information regarding the state of
the property, clarification regarding terms found in the
easement and other concerns that may arise, will
accomplish this.
Baseline Documentation
Conservation easement stewardship begins with thorough
documentation of a property. Prior to accepting an
easement the Conservancy compiles a record of the
property’s condition, which includes maps, property
management plans (forestland, farmland), survey
documentation, environmental assessment report, New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection Landscape Project
Data and any other materials that will aid the Conservancy
in understanding the condition of the property. Once the
easement deed is signed a representative from the
Conservancy will conduct a baseline documentation of the
property. This document is created using information found
in the aforementioned plans and reports as well as with a
plant and wildlife inventory developed during the property
walk. By creating a comprehensive document of the property
the Conservancy will be able to assess changes that take
place on the property.
Monitoring Conservation Easements
A Conservancy land steward will visit each conservation
easement monitored by the Conservancy on an annual basis
and meet with the landowner to ensure the continued health
of the property and to record any observable changes. The
steward will also look for easement violations such as
prohibited building, dumping and logging. These reports
are compiled annually are shared with the landowner and
become historical records of the property. If an easement
violation occurs these records will strengthen the
Conservancy’s efforts to defend the easement.
Defending Conservation Easements
The Conservancy is committed to working with landowners to
resolve any problems that arise regarding easement
compliance. When a problem develops a land steward will
promptly visit the property and investigate the easement
violation. The Conservancy will work to understand the
landowner’s activities and the restrictions contained
within the easement deed. Often easement violations are
due to a lack of awareness, which can be corrected by
educating landowners and the community. However in a
situation where the Conservancy and landowner cannot reach
an agreement the Conservancy will explore legal channels
available to carry out its management obligations.
The Conservancy encourages landowners to call with any
questions regarding the terms and rights found within
their conservation easement deeds. The Conservancy
believes that easements are strongest when the landowner
and community support the integrity and purpose of the
easement.
|
|
