Spotlight on Updates: Conservation Easement Monitoring and Conservation Property Inspections
This past March we updated our Requirements Manual, which helps land trusts to be successful in the accreditation process. We’ve put a summary of changes on our website for those who are interested in seeing all the changes we made.
While most requirements were not changed, there were two major changes in the stewardship section. We highlighted the first one in last month's newsletter, and the second one is detailed below.
What changed and why? Part 2: The Stewardship 1.4 requirement specifies that monitoring/inspection reports need to be completed within three months of the monitoring or inspection date. During the comment period, many respondents expressed the need for greater clarity for remote monitoring/inspections about the image date, date of the report, and the date of reviewing the image. Based on the feedback, the Commission added clarification that the date of the image and review of the image by the land trust should be in the same calendar year. This requirement accommodates that there are often gaps between when the image is taken and when the image is received and reviewed; however, it avoids the risk of there being a missed visit due to a poor quality image, the risk of action not being timely if issues are noted, and the risk to Terrafirma insurance coverage if the claim is not timely. Some examples are provided below.
A land trust reviewing a March 2026 image in August 2026 would meet the requirement as both dates are in the same calendar year. If the image is insufficient, the land trust still has an opportunity to monitor/inspect the property.
A land trust reviewing a March 2025 image in March 2026 as the 2025 monitoring event would not meet the requirement as the dates are in different calendar years.
A land trust monitoring in person in May 2024, then reviewing a November 2024 image to complete a report in May 2025, then monitoring in person in May 2026 would not meet the requirement for annual monitoring. It also does not meet the requirement for a timely report as the 2024 image and the 2025 report are in different calendar years.
How will the updates be implemented?
All changes will be effective in 2027 to allow land trusts time to revise their practices as needed. When the time comes, applicants must provide sufficient documentation to confirm implementation of the changed requirement.
Last Call for 2027 First-Time Accreditation Lottery
Is your land trust interested in applying for first-time accreditation? Be sure and submit your application for the first-time accreditation lottery by July 31, 2026.
There will be one round for up to eight first-time applicants. The number of spots available reflects the Commission's applicant capacity and its commitment to ensuring a fair and consistent review process. Any registered land trusts not selected through the lottery to apply in 2027 will be assigned to be a 2028 applicant.
Whether your land trust is preparing for an upcoming renewal or looking to strengthen its understanding of the accreditation requirements, the Commission is offering two workshops at Rally designed to help you succeed.
Get Ready for Your Renewal of Accreditation will walk participants through the renewal process, timing, available resources and practical steps for organizing application materials. Attendees will leave with the tools needed to create a renewal plan, regardless of where they are in the process.
For those with some familiarity with accreditation, Put Your Best Foot Forward: Tips and Tools for Understanding the Accreditation RequirementsandPreparing Your Strongest Application offers a deeper look at how applications are reviewed and how to avoid common pitfalls. Participants will gain insights into the accreditation requirements, documentation expectations and time-saving strategies to help prepare a strong application.
Land Trust Alliance 1250 H St. NW, Suite 600 Washington, District of Columbia, 20005, United States
The mission of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission is to inspire excellence, promote public trust and ensure permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing land trust organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and that strive for continuous improvement.
Land Trust Accreditation Commission, 36 Phila St, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
