GOAL 1: LAND PROTECTION

Surpass 170,000 Lowcountry Land Trust-conserved acres by protecting properties highly significant to rural landscapes, urbanizing communities, and the Lowcountry’s sense of place.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

We will protect land by proactively engaging the owners of high-priority properties and responsively pursuing inquiries of landowners with properties that meet conservation criteria.

We will scientifically and collaboratively define regional and local conservation priorities to protect conservation values in critical landscapes and sites.

We will be creative in applying innovative conservation strategies and funding sources to broaden our reach and increase the efficiency and pace of our work.

We will leverage a variety of partnerships with governments, nonprofits, community leaders, neighborhoods, professional service providers, and businesses to achieve land protection goals.

We will educate landowners, locals, and leaders about conservation benefits and methods through regular engagement via communications, events, and outreach.

DEFINING LAND PROTECTION TERMS

High-priority properties exhibit exceptionally strong recreational, habitat, scenic, agricultural, historic, or cultural values. Other important factors include property size, proximity to existing conservation lands, and development risk.

Conservation criteria include the project’s proposed restrictions and reserved rights, such as the number of home sites, the amount of impervious surface, types of commercial uses, and the degree of protection for special natural resource areas.

Critical landscapes are large areas of land that remain relatively undeveloped and contain well-functioning ecological systems, diverse plants and animals, high water and air quality, and beautiful scenery.

GOAL 2: LAND STEWARDSHIP

Maintain and enhance conservation values on all Lowcountry Land Trust-protected lands by stewarding conservation easements, ensuring compliance, and soundly managing fee-simple holdings.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

We will model Land Trust Alliance accreditation standards and monitor our 500+ land interests annually, resolving issues and approvals efficiently and effectively.

We will foster excellent relationships with landowners in order to reduce compliance risk and uphold the conservation values documented for their property.

We will partner with Lowcountry Land Trust landowners and their neighbors to provide them with land stewardship resources whenever possible.

We will engage staff beyond Lowcountry Land Trust’s stewardship team in annual monitoring and land management activities.

We will pilot a volunteer land stewardship program (see more details below).

DEFINING LAND STEWARDSHIP TERMS

Conservation easements are voluntary, legally binding agreements between a landowner and a land trust to restrict certain uses
of the land in order to maintain conservation values. The landowner retains ownership of the land and reserves the right to undertake uses compatible with conservation.

Fee-simple holdings are properties that  are owned outright by Lowcountry Land Trust or subsidiary organizations. Lowcountry Land Trust manages such lands to maintain key conservation values.

VOLUNTEER WITH LOWCOUNTRY LAND TRUST

We’re looking for volunteers to help the organization steward the Lowcountry’s landscapes and waterways that are protected forever via conservation easements. If you’re interested in getting out in the field to experience some of the region’s most pristine places, please complete this form.

GOAL 3: COMMUNITY-CENTERED CONSERVATION

Elevate the relevancy of conservation to the broader public through developing a comprehensive program that emphasizes the use and accessibility of protected lands.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

We will design, fund, and implement the Angel Oak Preserve comprehensive plan to enhance visitors’ sense of place, the experience of awe, and the depth of community.

We will create a firm foundation for honoring the past and future of the region’s communities and resources through the design, funding, and construction of the Lowcountry Center for Conservation at the Ashem property.

We will restore Thornhill Farm’s active operations so that it serves as an ambassador site for agricultural conservation and a model of a land trust connecting community members to local agriculture and with each other.

We will support our communities’ nature-based needs and goals by making fundamental properties into ambassador sites that welcome the public and demonstrate the importance of nature, community, and conservation to people’s lives.

We will use our land protection expertise to assist partners as they maintain their community’s sense of place and create more sites where the general public can access the outdoors.

GOAL 4: OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS

Connect priority audiences to the mission of the Land Trust, demystify our work, and communicate a compelling vision for conservation within the Lowcountry.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

We will be a resource to environmental enthusiast landowners and non-landowners by publishing relevant and educational content across strategic communication channels.

We will engage supporters through a comprehensive volunteer program to enhance our organizational capacity and nurture relationships with Lowcountry locals.

We will be a collaborative partner to mission-aligned organizations and create opportunities for meaningful joint programming.

GOAL 5: OPERATIONS

Model progressive leadership and management at a local, state, and national level, solidifying the foundation for sustainable and resilient operations in perpetuity.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

We will ensure ample financial and human resources are available to effectively support the mission and growth of the organization while responsibly managing assets and proactively anticipating necessary adjustments.

We will develop a four-year human resources plan incorporating a framework for diversity, equity, and inclusion and ensuring a company culture that is authentic, accepting, inclusive and empowering, and fosters a sense of belonging.

We will uphold a healthy, professional work culture that supports each team member and attracts and retains a committed, qualified team.

We will ensure the Stewardship and Legal Defense (SLD) Fund is funded appropriately and invested to address current and future stewardship needs now and into perpetuity.