Stewardship
CARING FOR THE LANDS ENTRUSTED TO US
Beginning with the acquisition of land and conservation easements, and continuing with sound stewardship practices, the Little Traverse Conservancy is committed to protecting the wildlife habitat, lakeshores, wetlands, scenic views, and agricultural lands, entrusted to our care for future generations.
 Monitoring conservation easements and preserves by air is an important component of Little Traverse Conservancy's stewardship program. Aerial monitoring is conducted during the fall and spring. |
What We Do:
Protecting Preserves
Preserve stewardship includes the creation of a management plan for each preserve, biannual monitoring, boundary marking, and trail development or other visitor enhancement projects if appropriate. Continuous monitoring and maintenance is necessary to ensure protection of the land which donors entrusted to us and to provide an enjoyable and safe experience for visitors.
Link to the Conservancy's most
user-friendly preserves
Protecting Conservation Easements
Sound conservation
easement stewardship is achieved through careful planning, accurate baseline
documentation of each easement property, annual monitoring, consistent documentation,
and maintaining communication
with landowners.
Many volunteers assist the Conservancy with various preserve projects. Fifty-five volunteers help monitor nature preserves. Additional volunteer opportunities include trail construction, trail maintenance, sign installation, and other activities. Volunteers have contributed tremendously to Little Traverse Conservancy's stewardship program, helping us ensure preserves are properly cared for.
A Conservation Easement Stewardship Newsletter is sent to all easement landowners annually. This newsletter provides basic information about easement stewardship and updates on monitoring activities, tax issues, and other topics.
Stewardship Guide for Conservation Easement Landowners is a booklet describing the Conservancy's stewardship program, information about property taxes and conservation easements, and includes resources for land management topics. This booklet is available for anyone considering a conservation easement for their property and for all Little Traverse Conservancy conservation easement landowners.
How You Can Help
Becoming a Preserve Monitor
Becoming a Trail Steward
A Preserve Monitoring Newsletter is sent to all volunteer monitors annually and includes updates on trail additions, boundary marking, new volunteers, and other related topics.