Countryside Conservancy Strategic Plan o 2007-2009 Vision for the Region Corridors of green connect the population centers in and near the Tunkhannock Creek Watershed. Conserved open space, farms, forests, and scenic and recreational areas form corridors that enhance the quality of life in the region. Development is guided by sound planning that accounts for the natural assets of the region. Residents appreciate and support the infrastructure of green and know that it makes this area one of the best places to live and raise a family. Vision for the Countryside Conservancy The Countryside Conservancy has unique characteristics defined by the topography and demographics of the Tunkhannock Creek Watershed. We are a forward-looking, courageous organization tackling huge issues of resource use and quality of life. We have been working to build a green infrastructure which simultaneously preserves the quality of our environment and the quality of human life, by drawing upon a diverse and dynamic board, well-trained staff and a strong membership. We recognize the interdependency between our waterways, population centers and recreation areas. Our intent is to strengthen these connections using riparian corridors, agrarian areas, greenways, trails and open space. Our project selection criteria emphasize these connections. Of equal importance to the Countryside Conservancy are (1) the preservation of natural resources and (2) connecting people to these resources and their neighboring towns. Including the crucial human elements of land and water conservation in our mission gives the Countryside Conservancy relevance and vibrancy to all citizens of our region, and gives us the capacity to include diverse interest groups. Core Values Good Stewards: We are selective in accepting[1][Author ID1: at Mon Sep 25 09:50:00 2006 ] or acquiring only properties which meet our land [2][Author ID1: at Mon Sep 25 09:50:00 2006 ]acquisition criteria[3][Author ID1: at Mon Sep 25 09:50:00 2006 ]; we take responsibility for monitoring the lands we protect.[4][Author ID1: at Mon Sep 25 09:50:00 2006 ] Financially Viable: We engage in activities to ensure [5][Author ID1: at Mon Sep 25 09:50:00 2006 ]our long-term success as an organization.[6][Author ID1: at Mon Sep 25 09:50:00 2006 ] Responsive: We actively respond to all inquiries for potential land protection, donations, and for membership. [7][Author ID1: at Mon Sep 25 09:50:00 2006 ] We seek to identify at-risk properties before they come up for sale.[8][Author ID1: at Mon Sep 25 09:50:00 2006 ] Organizational Excellence: We are a professionally-managed organization using the best practices for the operations of non-profits and land trusts[9][Author ID1: at Mon Sep 25 09:50:00 2006 ] and are accountable for the quality of our work.[10][Author ID1: at Mon Sep 25 09:50:00 2006 ] Benefiting the Community: The objectives of [11][Author ID2: at Mon Sep 25 09:48:00 2006 ]our organization are aligned with the desires of [12][Author ID2: at Mon Sep 25 09:48:00 2006 ]our membership[13][Author ID2: at Mon Sep 25 09:48:00 2006 ] [14][Author ID2: at Mon Sep 25 09:49:00 2006 ]and the larger[15][Author ID2: at Mon Sep 25 09:48:00 2006 ] community [16][Author ID2: at Mon Sep 25 09:49:00 2006 ]we operate in.[17][Author ID2: at Mon Sep 25 09:49:00 2006 ] Mission The Countryside Conservancy protects lands and waters in and near the Tunkhannock Creek Watershed for the public benefit now, and for the future. Goals, Strategies and Actions Conservation Goal: Land and water "hubs" of high conservation importance in and around the Tunkhannock Creek Watershed are identified and protected, and are connected by protected "spokes." Other open lands and waters meeting Conservancy criteria are protected as the opportunity arises. Strategies: 1. Identify land and water "spokes" and "hubs" of highest conservation importance and protect them. 2. Continue to work to protect other lands and waters as opportunities arise. 3. Continue improving stewardship of lands and waters owned by the Conservancy, and monitoring and defense of easements held by the Conservancy. 4. Advocate for better laws, policies and planning to support land and water conservation in the region. Financial Goal: The Conservancy marks steady growth in financial assets to support its operations and programs. Strategies: 1. Manage the Conservancy's financial assets appropriately to meet the objectives of this Plan. 2. Develop and implement a Fundraising Plan and policies to support the Conservancy in achieving this Plan's goals, strategies and actions. 3. Build Board and staff leadership and plan for succession in fundraising. 4. Increase financial support from a wider community of individuals and businesses. 5. Selectively seek and implement grants that fit into this Plan. Human Resources and Organization Goal: The Conservancy is a well-run organization with a diverse and dynamic board, well trained staff, and engaged core of volunteers. Strategies: 1. Enhance Board recruitment process, and establish a process to guide Board succession. 2. Enhance staff strengths in public communications, community visibility, fundraising, land project management, office management, and bookkeeping. 3. Establish a strong program for volunteer recruitment, management and recognition. 4. Enhance organizational planning and achieve LTA accreditation. Community Connections Goal: The Conservancy is an active participant in land use discussions for the benefit of the community. Strategies: 1. Improve public relations and outreach efforts in the community we serve. 2. Build relationships with local governments for support in land conservation and to help promote good planning. 3. Assist and support other entities (governmental, non-profit, community) that are working to protect important lands and waters. Abbreviations: "ED": Executive Director "LM&S Committee": Land Management & Stewardship Committee "L&WP Committee": Land & Water Protection Committee "PM": Program Manager (Cheryl Ellsworth) Conservation Goal: Land and water "hubs" of high conservation importance in and around the Tunkhannock Creek Watershed are identified and protected, and are connected by protected "spokes." Other open lands and waters meeting Conservancy criteria are protected as the opportunity arises. Strategy 1: Identify land and water "spokes" and "hubs" of highest conservation importance and protect them. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------| | Develop a Conservation | | Hold at least one | | Plan for the | Review and revise | public meeting or | | Tunkhannock Creek | project selection | seminar to present | | Watershed that | criteria based on | information on land | | identifies and ranks | Conservation Plan | and water | | high priority lands | | conservation to | | for conservation | Responsible party: | landowners in | | | Working group under | selected areas | | Responsible party: | L&WP Committee | | | Working group under | | Responsible party: ED | | L&WP Committee | Results: __________ | and L&WP Committee | | | | | | Results: __________ | | Results: __________ | |------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------| | | Contact landowners | | | Obtain tax maps, | neighboring Little | Review and re-assess | | aerial photography and | Rocky Glen to assess | Conservation Plan to | | digitized data to | their interest in | determine if it is | | identify key lands and | protecting or | providing the needed | | waters and their | donating their lands | guidance | | owners | | | | | Responsible party: | Responsible party: | | Responsible party: | Land staff and | L&WP Committee | | Land staff | members of L&WP | | | | Committee | Results: __________ | | Results: __________ | | | | | Results: __________ | | |------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------| | | Draw up list of | | | Select priority sites | landowners | | | and proactively | surrounding | Reassess progress on | | approach individual | Lackawanna State Park | Trolley Trail and | | landowners about | & contact them to | review priority | | protecting their | assess their interest | ranking of individual | | lands; start | in protecting their | segments | | discussions | lands | | | | | Responsible party: | | Responsible party: | Responsible party: | L&WP Committee with | | Land staff and members | Land staff and | staff support | | of L&WP Committee | members of L&WP | | | | Committee | Results: __________ | | Results: __________ | | | | | Results: __________ | | |------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------| | Review progress on | Put out feelers to | | | Trolley Trail from | landowners not | | | Clarks Summit to Lake | previously contacted | | | Winola, and prioritize | along the trolley | | | individual segments to | right-of-way | | | pursue | | | | | Responsible party: | | | Responsible party: | L&WP Committee with | | | L&WP Committee with | staff support | | | staff support | | | | | Results: __________ | | | Results: __________ | | | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Outcomes: By end 2008, finalize agreements for 2 miles of Trolley Trail in Clarks Summit-Dalton area. By end 2009, finalize agreements for 1 mile of Trolley Trail in La Plume/Factoryville area. Conservation Goal: Land and water "hubs" of high conservation importance in and around the Tunkhannock Creek Watershed are identified and protected, and are connected by protected "spokes." Other open lands and waters meeting Conservancy criteria are protected as the opportunity arises. Strategy 2: Continue to work to protect other lands and waters as opportunities arise. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |---------------------------+----------------------+---------------------| | | | Make follow-up | | | Develop staff | contact with | | Review LTA Standards and | capacity in | landowners who have | | Practices relating to | approaching | been contacted but | | land project management, | landowners and | not made a decision | | assess Conservancy's | drafting easements, | about protecting | | compliance. | to lighten volunteer | their land | | | workload | | | Responsible party: Land | | Responsible party: | | staff supported by PM | Responsible party: | Land staff and | | | Land staff | members of L&WP | | Results: __________ | | Committee | | | Results: __________ | | | | | Results: __________ | |---------------------------+----------------------+---------------------| | Review open land files | | | | and update information, | Develop a landowner | | | contact landowners to | outreach information | | | assess whether they | packet | | | remain interested; cull | | | | certified "dead" land | Responsible party: | | | projects. | L&WP Committee, ED | | | | and land staff | | | Responsible party: Land | | | | staff | Results: __________ | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Respond to and work with landowners who contact the Conservancy | | independently (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: Land staff supported by L&WP Committee | | | | Results: __________ | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Assess progress on ongoing land projects; close new projects as | | rapidly as feasible (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: Land staff supported by L&WP Committee | | | | Results: __________ | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Conservation Goal: Land and water "hubs" of high conservation importance in and around the Tunkhannock Creek Watershed are identified and protected, and are connected by protected "spokes." Other open lands and waters meeting Conservancy criteria are protected as the opportunity arises. Strategy 3: Continue improving stewardship of lands and waters owned by the Conservancy, and monitoring and defense of the Conservancy's easements. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |------------------------+----------------------+------------------------| | Review closed land | | Develop a team of | | files for missing or | | legal professionals | | incomplete | Develop easement | who are informed and | | information, such as | violation policy and | trained on easement | | project approval | easement amendment | issues and will work | | documents; fill in any | policy | with the Conservancy; | | gaps | | provide training | | | Responsible party: | opportunities for them | | Responsible party: | L&WP Committee | | | Land staff | | Responsible party: | | | Results: __________ | L&WP Committee/Board | | Results: __________ | | | | | | Results: __________ | |------------------------+----------------------+------------------------| | Develop policy on | Digitize key | | | acceptance of lands | land-file data and | | | donated to the | store offline; | Expand programmed | | Conservancy, including | develop off-site | public use of | | associated stewardship | fireproof storage | Conservancy preserves, | | contributions | for key original | e.g. nature walks | | | land documents such | | | Responsible party: | as deeds and | Responsible party: | | L&WP Committee | easements | Land staff supported | | supported by land | | by Outreach Committee | | staff | Responsible party: | | | | Land staff | Results: __________ | | Results: __________ | | | | | Results: __________ | | |------------------------+----------------------+------------------------| | Complete posting and | | | | signage of Conservancy | | | | preserves; discuss | Publicize existence | Develop method for | | with landowners and | and accessibility of | tracking changes in | | create an | Conservancy | ownership of easement | | easement-signage | preserves | properties | | program | | | | | Responsible party: | Responsible party: | | Responsible party: | ED & Land staff | Staff and Board | | Land staff supported | | | | by LM&S Committee | Results: __________ | Results: __________ | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |------------------------+----------------------+------------------------| | | Develop strategy for | | | Meet with landowners | communicating with | | | to develop and | neighbors of | | | implement | Conservancy | | | easement-signage | preserves and | | | program | enlisting them as | | | | volunteer stewards | | | Responsible party: | | | | Land staff and LM&S | Responsible party: | | | Committee | Land staff supported | | | | by LM&S Committee | | | Results: __________ | | | | | Results: __________ | | |------------------------+----------------------+------------------------| | Develop and implement | Complete management | | | policy on | plans for all | | | communicating with | preserves owned and | | | easement landowners | managed by the | | | and easement neighbors | Conservancy | | | | | | | Responsible party: | Responsible party: | | | L&WP Committee | Land staff supported | | | | by LM&S Committee | | | Results: __________ | | | | | Results: __________ | | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Monitor all easements held by the Conservancy at least once per year | | (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: Land staff | | | | Results: __________ | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Review management plans for all Conservancy-owned properties annually, | | develop annual work plans and implement (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: Land staff supported by LM&S Committee | | | | Results: __________ | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Conservation Goal: Land and water "hubs" of high conservation importance in and around the Tunkhannock Creek Watershed are identified and protected, and are connected by protected "spokes." Other open lands and waters meeting Conservancy criteria are protected as the opportunity arises. Strategy 4: Advocate for better laws, policies and planning to support land and water conservation in the region. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |---------------------------------+-------------------------------+------| | Communicate with county | Visit Harrisburg to meet with | | | authorities about valuation of | key DCNR and other officials, | | | properties under conservation | to present the Conservancy | | | easements and agricultural | and our priorities | | | easements | | | | | Responsible party: ED and | | | Responsible party: L&WP | Board | | | Committee | | | | | Results: __________ | | | Results: __________ | | | |---------------------------------+-------------------------------+------| | Be an advocate in all three | | | | counties for lower property | | | | taxes on lands under | | | | conservation easement | | | | | | | | Responsible party: ED and Board | | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Support important initiatives of the LTA and PALTA with letters to | | legislators, newspaper pieces, etc. (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: ED and Board | | | | Results: __________ | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Financial Goal: The Conservancy marks steady growth in financial assets to support its operations and programs. Strategy 1: Manage the Conservancy's financial assets appropriately to meet the objectives of this Plan. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------| | Review LTA Standards | | Review financial | | and Practices relating | Provide staff with | plans and investment | | to financial | training | activities; adjust as | | management, assess | opportunities in | needed to meet the | | Conservancy's | QuickBooks accounting | Conservancy's needs | | compliance | and related software | | | | | Responsible party: | | Responsible party: | Responsible party: ED | Finance Committee | | Board supported by PM | | | | | Results: __________ | Results: __________ | | Results: __________ | | | |------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------| | Create an Investment | | | | Committee and develop | Review and enhance | | | an investment policy | tracking of grants | | | for funds held by the | and funds in | | | Conservancy | QuickBooks | | | | | | | Responsible party: | Responsible party: PM | | | Finance Committee | | | | | Results: __________ | | | Results: __________ | | | |------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------| | Review assets in land | | | | & easement stewardship | Begin implementing | | | funds, and adequacy | investment policy | | | for long-term needs; | | | | make plans to address | Responsible party: | | | any shortfall. | Finance Committee | | | | supported by staff | | | Responsible party: | | | | Finance Committee | Results: __________ | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Review and monitor financial policies for the sound fiscal management | | of the Conservancy (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: Finance Committee supported by PM | | | | Results: __________ | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Financial Goal: The Conservancy marks steady growth in financial assets to support its operations and programs. Strategy 2: Develop and implement a Fundraising Plan and policies to support the Conservancy in its Strategic Plan goals, strategies and actions. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------| | Develop 3-year | | | | Fundraising Plan to | | | | include plans for | | | | managing and growing | | | | funding sources | Implement Fundraising | Review and update | | including: major | Plan recommendations | Fundraising Plan | | donors, membership, | | | | Auction, planned | Responsible party: ED | Responsible party: | | giving, endowments, and | and Fundraising | Fundraising | | grants | Committee | Committee | | | | | | Responsible party: | Results: __________ | Results: __________ | | Working group appointed | | | | by Fundraising | | | | Committee | | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------| | | | Develop and | | Create information | Develop list of local | implement gift | | packet on planned | professionals | acceptance policy, | | giving; distribute to | knowledgeable about | donor recognition | | individuals and estate | trusts and financial | policy and other | | planners | planning to whom we | policies needed to | | | can refer prospective | guide fundraising | | Responsible party: ED | donors | | | supported by | | Responsible party: | | Fundraising Committee & | Responsible party: | ED, PM and | | Finance Committee | Board and ED | Fundraising | | | | Committee | | Results: __________ | Results: __________ | | | | | Results: __________ | |-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------| | Troubleshoot and | | | | improve donor database | Establish endowments | | | to ensure it can store | with local foundations | | | and deliver the | | | | information we need | Responsible party: | | | | Executive Committee, | | | Responsible party: | Finance Committee and | | | Staff, with consultant | ED | | | support as needed | | | | | Results: __________ | | | Results: __________ | | | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Financial Goal: The Conservancy marks steady growth in financial assets to support its operations and programs. Strategy 3: Build Board and staff leadership and plan for leadership succession in fundraising. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------| | | Identify and | Assess fundraising | | Provide staff training | cultivate fundraising | skills of Board and | | in fundraising. | leaders within the | Advisory Board | | | Fundraising | members. | | Responsible party: | Committee. | | | Staff/use outside | | Responsible party: ED | | consultant as needed | Responsible party: | and Board | | | Board supported by ED | | | Results: __________ | | Results: __________ | | | Results: __________ | | |------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------| | Train Board members in | | Assess staff capacity | | basic fundraising | | and the need for | | skills. | | dedicated development | | | | staff. | | Responsible party: | | | | Board/use outside | | Responsible party: ED | | consultant as needed | | | | | | Results: __________ | | Results: __________ | | | |------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------| | Add individuals with | | | | fundraising expertise | | | | to Board or Advisory | | | | Board. | | | | | | | | Responsible party: | | | | Board | | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Financial Goal: The Conservancy marks steady growth in financial assets to support its operations and programs. Strategy 4: Increase financial support from a wider community of individuals and businesses. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------| | | Do a ZIP-code targeted | Review demographics | | | fundraising mailing in | of our region, | | Seek new members from | an area where the | assess where | | cooperating non-profit | Conservancy has | additional effort | | organizations and other | completed a | can be placed to | | sources | high-profile project | increase membership | | | | | | Responsible party: ED | Responsible party: ED | Responsible party: | | | supported by | ED and Fundraising | | Results: __________ | Fundraising Committee | Committee | | | | | | | Results: __________ | Results: __________ | |-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------| | Trial-run a joint event | | | | with a non-profit | Establish regular | | | organization not | email and Web contact | | | directly competing with | with donors and | | | the Conservancy, to | members | | | cross-fertilize | | | | membership | Responsible party: ED, | | | | supported by outside | | | Responsible party: | consultant as needed | | | Outreach Committee | | | | supported by staff | Results: __________ | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------| | Review Conservancy | | | | database to identify | Begin regularly | | | overlooked individuals | approaching corporate | | | who should be | donors in the area for | | | approached for | contributions | | | donations | | | | | Responsible party: | | | Responsible party: | Board and ED | | | Fundraising Committee, | | | | staff | Results: __________ | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------| | Develop list of | | | | businesses in the area | | | | to approach for | | | | financial contributions | | | | | | | | Responsible party: ED, | | | | Fundraising Committee, | | | | Advisory Board | | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Financial Goal: The Conservancy marks steady growth in financial assets to support its operations and programs. Strategy 5: Selectively seek and implement grants that fit into this Plan. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |-------------------------+----------------------+-----------------------| | Use Nonprofit Community | Review all grants | Review the | | Action Center & other | received to date; | Conservancy's needs | | local resources to | identify grantmakers | and strategize | | identify new private | to approach again | grant-seeking for | | and corporate | | future years | | foundations to approach | Responsible party: | | | | ED supported by | Responsible party: | | Responsible party: ED | Fundraising | Fundraising Committee | | | Committee | and ED | | Results: __________ | | | | | Results: __________ | Results: __________ | |-------------------------+----------------------+-----------------------| | | Meet with | | | | foundations that | | | | have provided | | | Develop list of | repeated or ongoing | | | grant-fundable projects | support; assess | | | based on this Plan | their priorities and | | | | wishes against this | | | Responsible party: ED | Plan | | | | | | | Results: __________ | Responsible party: | | | | ED and Fundraising | | | | Chair | | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | |-------------------------+----------------------+-----------------------| | Get commitment from at | | | | least 2 foundations for | | | | multi-year challenge | | | | grants to build | | | | capacity | | | | | | | | Responsible party: ED | | | | and Executive Committee | | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Review open grants to ensure smooth and timely implementation, assess | | cost-effectiveness (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: ED | | | | Results: __________ | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Monitor state and Federal government grant programs that could support | | this Plan, pursue where appropriate (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: ED, Fundraising Committee; consultant as needed | | | | Results: __________ | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Human Resources and Organization Goal: The Conservancy is a well-run organization with a diverse and dynamic board, well trained staff, and engaged core of volunteers. Strategy 1: Enhance Board recruitment process, and establish a process to guide Board succession. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |--------------------------+-----------------------+---------------------| | | Update Board manual | Review makeup of | | Review diversity of | and institutionalize | Advisory Board, | | Board membership, assess | procedures for Board | assess against the | | against diversity of the | member orientation | diversity of the | | community we serve | | community we serve | | | Responsible party: | | | Responsible party: Board | Board Development | Responsible party: | | Development Committee | Committee | Board Development | | | | Committee | | Results: __________ | Results: __________ | | | | | Results: __________ | |--------------------------+-----------------------+---------------------| | Provide outreach and | | | | training to Advisory | | | | Board members | | | | | | | | Responsible party: Board | | | | Development Committee | | | | and ED | | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |--------------------------+-----------------------+---------------------| | Identify key skills | | | | needed on the Board, | | | | actively recruit Board | | | | prospects to fill these | | | | gaps | | | | | | | | Responsible party: Board | | | | Development Committee | | | | and staff | | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |--------------------------+-----------------------+---------------------| | Review LTA Standards and | | | | Practices for Board | | | | governance management, | | | | assess compliance; | | | | develop new policies and | | | | practices as needed | | | | | | | | Responsible party: PM | | | | and Board Development | | | | Committee | | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Review Conservancy bylaws and committee structure annually (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: Board Development Committee (Michael Kane) | | | | Results: __________ | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Send at least 2 Board members to LTA Rally or other relevant training | | each year (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: Board | | | | Results: __________ | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Identify and cultivate new Board prospects on a rolling basis | | (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: Board and Advisory Board | | | | Results: __________ | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Appoint Vice-Chairs for all committees to create line of succession | | for committee leadership. (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: Board President supported by Board Development | | Committee | | | | Results: __________ | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Human Resources and Organization Goal: The Conservancy is a well-run organization with a diverse and dynamic board, well trained staff, and engaged core of volunteers. Strategy 2: Enhance staff strengths in public communications, community visibility, land project management, office management, and bookkeeping. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |-----------------------------------+-----------------------------+------| | Review LTA Standards and | | | | Practices relating to staff, | Assess staffing (number of | | | assess Conservancy's compliance; | staff, duties, and hours | | | develop new policies and | worked) against Conservancy | | | practices as needed (including | workload; recommend any | | | Personnel Policy) | changes needed | | | | | | | Responsible party: ED and PM; | Responsible party: ED | | | Board | | | | | Results: __________ | | | Results: __________ | | | |-----------------------------------+-----------------------------+------| | | Review and update all staff | | | Provide staff training in Access | job descriptions | | | software | | | | | Responsible party: Staff, | | | Responsible party: Staff | supported by Executive | | | | Committee/Board President | | | Results: __________ | | | | | Results: __________ | | |-----------------------------------+-----------------------------+------| | Add new staff member in 2007 to | | | | lead land project management | | | | | | | | Responsible party: ED | | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Send at least 1 staff member to LTA Rally, PALTA conference or other | | relevant training each year (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: Staff | | | | Results: __________ | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Human Resources and Organization Goal: The Conservancy is a well-run organization with a diverse and dynamic board, well trained staff, and engaged core of volunteers. Strategy 3: Establish a strong program for volunteer recruitment, management and recognition. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------| | | Develop plan for | | | | volunteer | Start implementing | | Revive "Volunteer of | recruitment, | volunteer management | | the Year" award | management and | plan | | | recognition | | | Responsible party: | | Responsible party: | | Outreach Committee | Responsible party: | Volunteer Coordinator | | | Volunteer Coordinator | and ED | | Results: __________ | and ED | | | | | Results: __________ | | | Results: __________ | | |------------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------| | Appoint a Volunteer | | | | Coordinator to work | Start tracking number | Hold an annual event | | with staff in | of active volunteers | specifically targeted | | recruiting, managing | and hours worked each | at thanking | | and thanking | year (including | volunteers | | volunteers | Board) | | | | | Responsible party: | | Responsible party: | Responsible party: | Volunteer Coordinator | | Outreach | Staff and Board | supported by staff | | Committee/Board | | | | | Results: __________ | Results: __________ | | Results: __________ | | | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Human Resources and Organization Goal: The Conservancy is a well-run organization with a diverse and dynamic board, well trained staff, and engaged core of volunteers. Strategy 4: Enhance organizational planning and achieve LTA accreditation. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |--------------------------------+--------------------------------+------| | Review LTA Standards and | | | | Practices in preparation for | Apply for LTA accreditation | | | applying for LTA | (may extend to 2009). | | | accreditation. | | | | | Responsible party: PM and ED | | | Responsible party: PM and | supported by Board | | | Board | | | | | Results: __________ | | | Results: __________ | | | |--------------------------------+--------------------------------+------| | Develop policies and | Develop criteria to guide | | | procedures required by LTA | engagement in projects that | | | Standards and Practices | are not strictly land | | | (example: Records Policy; | conservation: public policy, | | | policy on sale or transfer of | planning, regulatory matters, | | | land). | etc. | | | | | | | Responsible party: Board | Responsible party: Board | | | supported by staff | supported by staff | | | | | | | Results: __________ | Results: __________ | | |--------------------------------+--------------------------------+------| | Review goals and functions of | | | | Watershed Coalition within the | | | | Conservancy. | | | | | | | | Responsible party: Board | | | | President and ED | | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Review this Plan in December each year and extend to cover an | | additional year. | | | | Responsible party: Board supported by staff | | | | Results: __________ | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Community Connections Goal: The Conservancy is an active participant in land use discussions for the benefit of the community. Strategy 1: Improve public relations and outreach efforts in the community we serve. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |------------------------+------------------------+----------------------| | Expand website to | Host 5 or more public | | | include more | events on Conservancy | Review "Success | | Conservancy | lands (trail walks, | Measures" and use | | information and links; | picnic, nature | them in PR to | | update monthly | education, "drive-in" | promote our growth | | | movie, etc.) | and success | | Responsible party: ED | | | | with | Responsible party: | Responsible party: | | consultant/volunteer | Outreach Committee | ED | | support | supported by staff | | | | | Results: __________ | | Results: __________ | Results: __________ | | |------------------------+------------------------+----------------------| | | | Develop list of | | Establish Speaker's | | outdoor recreational | | Bureau and schedule at | Develop a "Guide's | associations in the | | least 4 public | Bureau" of volunteers | region ; reach out | | presentations before | who can lead nature | to these groups via | | other local | walks several times | guest speakers, | | organizations each | per year | field trips to | | year | | Conservancy lands, | | | Responsible party: | etc. | | Responsible party: | Outreach Committee and | | | Outreach Committee and | ED | Responsible party: | | ED | | ED and Outreach | | | Results: __________ | Committee | | Results: __________ | | | | | | Results: __________ | |------------------------+------------------------+----------------------| | Create a simple | Create a short video | | | brochure for use with | to be used for public | | | general public, and a | presentations, at | | | more detailed one for | Conservancy events, | | | use with landowners, | etc. | | | grantmakers, etc. | | | | | Responsible party: ED | | | Responsible party: ED | with working group of | | | with working group of | Outreach | | | Outreach Committee | Committee/outside | | | | consultant | | | Results: __________ | | | | | Results: __________ | | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Set following year's calendar of public events before the end of the | | current year (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: Outreach Committee and ED | | | | Results: __________ | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Community Connections Goal: The Conservancy is an active participant in land use discussions for the benefit of the community. Strategy 2: Build relationships with local governments for support in land conservation and to help promote good planning. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------| | | | Review local | | | Organize a public | planning and zoning | | Obtain updated contact | event with media | efforts throughout | | information for local | presence to get public | the watershed; | | government officials | officials to a project | contribute to | | | site | discussions where | | Responsible party: | | appropriate | | Administrative staff | Responsible party: | | | | Outreach Committee | Responsible party: | | Results: __________ | | ED and L&WP | | | Results: __________ | Committee | | | | | | | | Results: __________ | |-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------| | Add key government | | | | officials and | Explore options for | | | representatives at | convening gatherings | | | local, county and state | of municipal officials | | | levels to Conservancy | | | | event invitation lists | Responsible party: ED | | | | and Board | | | Responsible party: | | | | Staff | Results: __________ | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | | |-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------| | | Identify and build | | | | partnerships with | | | | municipal advisors | | | | (solicitors, | | | | engineers, COGs, etc.) | | | | | | | | Responsible party: ED | | | | and Board | | | | | | | | Results: __________ | | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Meet annually with each county's planning commission and board of | | commissioners, and with federal or state elected officials and | | representatives (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: ED and Executive Committee | | | | Results: __________ | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Community Connections Goal: The Conservancy is an active participant in land use discussions for the benefit of the community. Strategy 3: Assist and support other entities (governmental, non-profit, community) that are working to protect important lands and waters. +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------| | Start a program of | Assist counties and | Support community | | meeting at least twice | State in publicizing | efforts to develop | | yearly with County | and promoting | Environmental | | farmland preservation | Agricultural Security | Advisory Committees | | agents and conservation | Areas and state's | | | district managers | agricultural | Responsible party: | | | preservation program | ED & Watershed | | Responsible party: ED, | | Coalition | | L&WP Committee chair | Responsible party: ED | | | | | Results: __________ | | Results: __________ | Results: __________ | | |-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------| | Start a program of | Draft a plan for | | | meeting yearly with | cooperating with other | | | County commissioners | land trusts and | | | and state legislators | non-profit | | | for the watershed area, | organizations in the | | | to communicate our | region | | | priorities and concerns | | | | | Responsible party: | | | Responsible party: | Executive Committee | | | Board | | | | | Results: __________ | | | Results: __________ | | | |-------------------------+------------------------+---------------------| | Meet or communicate at | Explore with DCNR the | | | least once yearly with | options for most | | | county and | efficiently increasing | | | multi-municipal | the protected-land | | | planning entities | buffer around | | | working in and around | Lackawanna State Park | | | the watershed | | | | | Responsible party: ED | | | Responsible party: ED | and L&WP Committee | | | | Chair | | | Results: __________ | | | | | Results: __________ | | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Have a presence at key public meetings relating to land and water | | conservation in the watershed (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: ED and Executive Committee | | | | Results: __________ | |------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Meet at least once a year with representatives of each land trust | | working in and around the watershed (ongoing) | | | | Responsible party: ED and Board | | | | Results: __________ | +------------------------------------------------------------------------+ S:\Countryside\Strategic Plan\StrategicPlan07-09\StrategicPlan07-09.doc last accessed 3/5/2007 Page 1 S:\Countryside\Board of Directors\Board retreats\2006\StrategicPlan07-09.doc last accessed3/5/2007 Page 21 References Visible links 1. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author1 2. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author1 3. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author1 4. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author1 5. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author1 6. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author1 7. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author1 8. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author1 9. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author1 10. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author1 11. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author2 12. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author2 13. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author2 14. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author2 15. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author2 16. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author2 17. file:///tmp/wv-X27123#author2