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Landowners who are interested in conserving their
property should feel comfortable and confident about the land trust
with whom they are working. As with any transaction involving items
of both financial and personal value, a landowner should ask whatever
questions they feel necessary to assure their confidence in the
organization. Gathering Waters Conservancy has created a short
list of potential questions or information to request. These are
a starting point for more in depth conversations and relationship
building between landowner and land trust.
Mission
Does the land
trust’s mission match your conservation goals as a landowner?
Legal and Financial
Ask for proof of the organization’s status
as a 501©(3) non-profit – this is the IRS’ designation
for private non-profits. Ask to see their most recent audit and/or
the most recent annual report. These will give you information
about the financial stability of the organization and how well
they manage their assets.
People
Ask for a list of the land trust’s
Board of Directors. Knowing the people who are making the decisions
for the organization will help you determine your level of comfort
with those decisions. It might also be helpful to meet with the
Board or some selected Board members. You might ask to sit in on
a meeting of the Board.
Meet with other landowners who have worked
with this land trust and ask about their experiences and if their
expectations have been met.
Community
Is the land trust a member of Gathering Waters Conservancy?
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