Stewardship & Monitoring
We are grateful to all our landowners who protect the conservation, natural, and/or agricultural values of their properties. Federal and state tax benefits, as well as state tax credits that might be made possible through the donation of an easement also require the land trust to make an annual visit to the property to ensure the conservation values are intact, no matter who owns the property, now or in the future.

Legacy Land Trust pre-arranges the annual visit with the owner for a mutually convenient time for the stewardship representative to tour and review the property. Owners are encouraged to participate and evaluate whether their management plan is effective or if changes could be made to enhance the land’s condition. It is a great time to review previous years’ history and answer questions to preserve the easement integrity.

“We’ve had our property in a conservation easement with Legacy Land Trust since December 2000. Every year one of the monitoring visits takes place and while it is a serious overview of the condition of the property, it is a pleasant time talking about the conditions of the land and noticing changes from year to year. The Land Trust stewardship people are very courteous and knowledgeable and we appreciate the service they provide in ensuring the conservation values are upheld, no matter who will own the property in the future.” Bob and Pam Zimdahl, Waverly

“We decided in 1994 to place a conservation easement on 175 acres of riparian shrubland, beaver ponds, mountain meadow, and pine and aspen forests that had been in the family for many years. Legacy Land Trust was just getting started, and we have had a very enjoyable relationship with the Land Trust for over 15 years now. They are like old friends that we see every year, and we feel good knowing this property is forever protected for wildlife and plant habitat, open space and scenic views.” Eric and Jan Jensen, Fort Collins

Monitoring
Legacy Land Trust also hosts a volunteer monitoring program to involve members and friends with natural resource knowledge in the monitoring process. If you would like to learn more about this program, contact