LAND PROTECTION

Land Protection leads the ongoing effort to preserve additional open space by means of conservation easement donations to WCT, fee acquisition of open space, and strong partnerships with other conservation organizations and various government entities.

Goal 1

Protect an additional 300 acres, including at least one of the top five highest priority Redline Properties, subject to issues beyond our control.

GOAL 2

Establish at least one new public preserve.

Goal 3

Evaluate land preservation opportunities in surrounding communities where there may be unmet conservation needs.

Goal 4

Evaluate and improve existing conservation easements that result in net conservation gains, such as the reduction in the number of Acceptable Residential Locations (ARLs) and better habitat protection, and encourage the process of easement assignments in our focal area from Brandywine Conservancy to WCT.

Goal 5 Goal 6

Maintain relationships with state, county, and township agencies and other public funding organizations to position WCT to be a strong candidate for funding of fee acquisition preservation projects and engage in advocacy efforts that promote the legal and policy interests of the broader land conservation movement.

Ensure compliance with Land Trust Alliance (LTA) Standards and Practices and stay abreast of legal issues pertaining to IRS and Federal oversight of conservation easements.

Goal 7

Encourage trail easement provisions with new conservation easement donors and establish a publicly accessible, continuous trail corridor with an emphasis on connectivity between preserves and other public open spaces.