Land Trust Standards and Practices are widely accepted guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust.

Summary

Land Trust Standards and Practices are guidelines to help land trusts operate in ethically, technically and legally sound ways. They guide land trusts in conducting sound programs of conservation land transactions and stewardship, helping to ensure the long-term protection of land in the public interest. The governing boards of most land trusts have expressed the intent of bringing their operations into conformance with Standards and Practices, signifying this through an Adoption Resolution. The Land Trust Alliance developed Standards and Practices at the urging of land trusts, recognizing that a strong land trust community depends on the credibility and effectiveness of all its members. Land Trust Standards and Practices were last revised in 2004.

Track Record

The Land Trust Alliance originally published Land Trust Standards and Practices in 1989 at the urging of land trusts nationwide. The Standards and Practices were most recently updated in 2004. More than 1,000 organizations across the country have adopted Standards and Practices, indicating overwhelming acceptance of the guidelines in the land trust community.

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association strongly encourages all organizations that acquire land or easements for conservation purposes to bring their operations into conformance with Land Trust Standards and Practices.

Typical End Users

Land Trust Standards and Practices were developed for use by private, nonprofit conservation organizations. Guidance to help quasi-governmental conservation organizations interpret and apply Standards and Practices to their operations was published in December 2007. Local governments may find Standards 8 through 12 and their associated practices, which pertain to land and easement transactions and stewardship issues, very useful in shaping their land protection programs.

Conservation Impact

Standards and Practices provide land trusts with firm guidelines in developing sound programs of land transactions and stewardship. Adoption of Standards and Practices indicates that that the land trust is committed to refining its operations and achieving excellence in its conservation work. Through adoption, land trusts recognize their role in upholding the public trust and the credibility of the land trust community.

What You'll Need

Standards and Practices provide land trusts with firm guidelines in developing sound programs of land transactions and stewardship. Adoption of Standards and Practices indicates that that the land trust is committed to refining its operations and achieving excellence in its conservation work. Through adoption, land trusts recognize their role in upholding the public trust and the credibility of the land trust community.

Obstacles and Challenges

Adoption of the Standards and Practices does not signify that a land trust is fully implementing the specific details of every practice. It is simply stating the intent of the organization to comply. Compliance with Standards and Practices requires a comprehensive review of organizational procedures and practices and making necessary modifications, if necessary.