Resource Centre

Forests Canada webinar and resources offer current understanding of the wild fire emergency.

Information about current wild fire danger, wild fire activity, and fire restrictions across the province

This study explores challenges and facilitators that land trusts experience when participating in climate change knowledge translation and attempting to adapt to climate change.

Conservation is more important than ever – and private land conservation plays an important role. We believe that the individuals and organizations who are engaged in this important work in Canada have a responsibility to reconcile the history and current approach to private land conservation with Indigenous people in a way that is transformative. We must all approach this work “in a good way”.

On April 1, 2018, Ontario Regulation 112/18 came into effect amending O. Reg. 4/01 (Approved Acts of Executors and Trustees, hereinafter “Regulation”) under the Charities Accounting Act (the “CAA”).  The new provisions modify the existing Ontario common law rule that prohibited a charity from making payments to a director (or any person related to him/her) for any reason (other than reimbursement of expenses) without first obtaining a court order.

Rare Charitable Research Reserve’s ECO Framework details the history of the Reserve and its commitment to overcoming the sense of separation between people and communities and nature, and how programming for children and youth is part of this goal. It looks at the relationship with local Indigenous nations and underscores how a commitment to decolonial practices is part of their work. This is a helpful document for any land trust, in particular those working with children and youth and with Indigenous communities. This is a working document, one that will be updated and continues to evolve.

The Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) and the Ontario Heritage Trust (OHT) are pleased to offer this Guide to the conservation community for the preparation of BDRs for the protection of natural heritage. It represents a best practices methodology for recording property information for land held in fee simple ownership and for properties protected under a CEA.

Municipalities are responsible for making land-use decisions that benefit the communities they serve and their regions most sensitive species and habitats. With changing legislation, on provincial and municipal levels, and significant federal commitments, municipalities can make protection of biodiversity a priority today. To strengthen and advance conservation efforts across Canada, this document brings together case studies from local governments who are prioritizing conservation; some strategies include Land Back, conservation tools, conservation funds, and the integration of habitat protection into official plans/policies.

Land trusts across Canada contribute greatly towards the goals and targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). This document is a list of GBF targets and summary of how land trusts contribute towards achieving these targets.

This report presents the results of a national census survey of land trusts operating in Canada and affiliated with the Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts (ACLT), the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA), the Land Trust Alliance of British Columbia (LTABC), and le Réseau de milieux naturels protégés (RMN). The survey’s main purpose was to describe the Canadian land trust community.

This report explores opportunities and challenges for environmental organizations to partner with Indigenous communities and municipalities in what is now known as Canada. It is primarily based on research into examples of municipal reconciliation plans and strategies, and municipal duties and practices to consult with and accommodate Indigenous communities.

An inventory and discussion of the benefits and options for funding for land conservation in Canada.

With many dimensions to it, returning lands and responsibilities to Indigenous communities has come to be known as “Land Back”. Indigenous-led land trusts can play important roles in Land Back, conservation, and the relationships and resurgence that can result.

OLTA is pleased to announce the launch of the new Standards and Practices website, created in partnership with the Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts, the Land Trust Alliance of BC, and Réseau de milieux naturels protégés. This online program is provided as a free capacity building tool for land trusts.

The Standards and Practices website provides users with access to the new Self-Assessment Tool. This resource allows organizations to review and summarize the progress of their land trust over time. By reviewing Standards and Practices in the Self-Assessment framework, land trusts are prompted to prioritize undeveloped areas within their organization. Through completing the assessment process land trusts can also determine if essential documentation is complete or insufficient. After completing each section, land trusts can upload a collection of revised policies, procedures and guidelines, and compile a comprehensive assessment that can be updated as the organization makes progress.

The Standards and Practices website and the Self-Assessment Tool are organized in a clear, user-friendly interface. The step-by-step Self-Assessment frame work allows land trusts to complete a self-assessment at a pace determined by the user. Uploading documents during the assessment provides users with secure storage and organization of their land trust’s documentation and allows users to easily return to where they have left off. The online Self-Assessment Tool is accessible to multiple users, facilitating effective group work, and allowing collective opportunities to analyze land trust practices and policies.

Learn about Ontario treaties and gain a deeper understanding of  how they have shaped the relationship between Indigenous peoples and settlers in the region. And also how these treaties impact, and should impact, the work land trusts do.

Learn about one of our greatest tools in our fight against climate change  – nature! Nature Based Climate Solutions refer to actions that protect and restore nature which functions to capture and store carbon, reduce carbon emissions and help communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change

The Thames Talbot Land Trust restoration project introduces plant species from further south that might be better adapted to warmer climates in their restoration areas.

There are few cold- and cool-water trout streams remaining in the Region of Waterloo. Bauman Creek, a small tributary of the Grand River located mostly on rare property, supports a self-sustaining population of brook trout. Rare’s Bauman Creek Restoration project helped restore flow to the channel all the way to the Grand River, while also planting several hundred trees

In 2013, 2017, and again in 2019, the Township of Minden Hills experienced serious flooding and declared a state of emergency. Flooding and erratic weather patterns are a product of climate change. Wetlands provide a critical function in helping prevent flooding. In 2020, HHLT completed a project to address the detrimental impacts of climate change while also protecting over 160 acres of wetland in the county.

This paper introduces a new tool for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and partner land trusts to help manage conservation easement programs in Canada. This newly-crafted set of Best Practices and Performance Measures (BPPM) was developed with input from a diverse land trust advisory group. The suite of best practices identified in this paper constitutes a selection of the fundamental ingredients — the building blocks — of an effective conservation easement1 program.

Conservation Easement Agreements – A Guide, Sample, and Notes for Ontario Land Trusts, Landowners, and Advisors.

Introduction to Cross-border Conservation Information Tools

U.S. taxpayers who own Canadian properties are often interested in transferring their property to the next generation of family members and permanently protecting their lands in Canada. In both cases, conservation can be a financially valuable strategy. There are tax incentives in both countries to encourage conservation of priority natural lands. Especially notable is how conservation can reduce or eliminate Canadian capital gains taxes on transfers, including bequests. Please explore the tools provided here to learn more.

These tools touch on the key components of U.S. taxpayers’ decisions about whether, when, and how to conserve their Canadian properties. It is not intended to provide tax or legal advice. To fully understand how the tax components mentioned will have an impact on your situation, you must confer with your accountants and lawyers in the U.S. and Canada.

The tax information provided within these tools is broadly applicable across Canada. The case studies assume that the disposition of property will be in Ontario and subject to the federal non-resident surtax rather than Ontario provincial tax. The calculations do not consider any other province’s tax regulations that may apply to a non-resident.

These tools were published in partnership by OLTA and American Friends of Canadian Conservation thanks to a grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Incentives for U.S. Taxpayers Brochure

Cross-border Conservation Handbook

Learn about GIS, it’s uses for land trust and view direct links to open source data . A compilation of everything you need to know about GIS in the Land Trust context.

Learn how to tour placemarks in Google Earth Pro

Learn how to create polygons using Google Earth Pro

Learn how to use the ArcGIS software for mapping and visualization land cover and land uses.

Learn all the tips and tricks for using the ArcGIS software.

Learn about the ArcGIS software and how you can utilize it.

Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program provides a way for Canadians with ecologically sensitive land to protect nature and leave a legacy for future generations. It offers significant income tax benefits to landowners who donate land or certain partial interests1 in land to a qualified recipient. Up-to-date resources on the Ecological Gifts program can be accessed on the ECCC website, here.

The Growing Need for Volunteers – Volunteer Canada published a report in 2002 entitled “Recruiting, Retaining and Rewarding Volunteers: What Volunteers Have to Say”. The report notes, “The most important steps that voluntary organizations could take to recruit, retain and reward their volunteers are to ensure that the experiences they provide are meaningful and facilitate personal growth”.

This manual was prepared using examples of work being undertaken by many land trusts in both
Canada and the United States. Many thanks to these groups for allowing us to use their sample forms.

Much of the information contained in the manual has been built upon the work of the Couchiching
Conservancy, a land trust based in Orillia, Ontario.

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day for those experiencing distress as a result of residential schools. Support is available at 1-866-925-4419.

The Hope for Wellness Help Line is available 24 hours a day for those requiring counselling and crisis intervention. Online support is available in English and French or English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktituk at 1-855-242-3310.

Visit the Government of Canada webpages for more information on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Visit the Government of Canada webpages for more information on National Indigenous History Month.

National Indigenous History Month is celebrated every June. It is an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the distinctive histories, cultures, contributions, and strengths of the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples of Canada. Only by comprehending our past can we hope to forge a more promising future.Furthermore, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, which provides an additional chance to commemorate and celebrate the traditions, customs, and contributions of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The summer solstice, June 21, was chosen by the Canadian government in collaboration with indigenous organizations as National Aboriginal Day, which is now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day. Because the summer solstice is the longest day of the year, many Indigenous groups and peoples have honored their culture and heritage on or around this day for decades.

Check out this resource on Reflections on National Indigenous History Month, by the Senate of Canada

Check out these informative resources on Ontario Nature’s Indigenous relations page Indigenous Relations – Ontario Nature

Indigenous-led Conservation Reading List by Megan Youdelis, Kim Tran, and Elizabeth Lunstrum

Your trusted guide to Indigenous relations for over 20 years. Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. provides training for large and small organizations and individuals.

Check out the book “Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples” by Bob Joseph and Cynthia F. Bob is a member of the Gwawaenuk Nation in B.C. and is also the founder of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. an organization that offers training courses on Indigenous relations.

Follow the steps outlined by the On Canada Project in their Settlers Take Action project, which provides concrete actions non-Indigenous people can take as allies.

Connect with the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership and learn and support their efforts to advance Indigenous-led conservation in the spirit of reconciliation and decolonization.

Learn about First Nation, Inuit and Métis cultural contributions by watching films featuring First Nation, Inuit and Métis culture like those in the National Film Board’s selection of Indigenous Peoples in Canada films.

35 books to read for National Indigenous History Month. Learn about First Nation, Inuit and Métis cultural contributions by reading books from these Indigenous authors.

Learn about residential schools and how we can address current injustices facing First Nation, Inuit and Métis. – First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.

Familiarize yourself with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s the stories of residential school survivors in their own words.

Familiarize yourself with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s  94 Calls to Action.

Land trusts can help protect ecologically sensitive land in cottage country. Here’s how they work by Sasha Chapman. This article in Cottage Life provides an introductory look at how land trusts and Indigenous peoples work together in the Kawarthas and other parts of Ontario.

State of the Bay 2023: Protecting the Great Lake of the Spirit – Georgian Bay Biosphere

For Our Future: Indigenous Resilience Report, a 2024 report written by Indigenous experts on the impact of climate change and how Indigenous peoples can and are leading the way in adaptation.

This report draws on Indigenous knowledge, perspectives and experiences to explore the multidimensional and intersecting aspects of climate change impacts and adaptation.

The Indigenous Circle of Experts was formed through the Pathway process to make recommendations and offer guidance on how IPCAs could be realized in Canada and contribute towards Canada’s conservation goals. Members included a core group of Indigenous experts from across Canada and officials from federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions.

The Indigenous Circle of Experts held 4 regional gatherings in each of the cardinal directions to hear from communities and governments on IPCAs. Check out the link to learn more

IPCA Knowledge Basket, a digital space created to honour, celebrate, and catalyze Indigenous-led conservation pathways in Canada, including Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs).

The IPCA Knowledge Basket holds stories, videos, songs, government reports and policies, academic articles, resources, and artwork available to all who seek to support Indigenous-led conservation.

At OLTA we believe that, as a community, we need to learn about, engage and uphold our role within treaties, settler’s responsibilities, and natural law in order to honour our ongoing commitment to meaningful reconciliation with all Indigenous Peoples on whose treaty and ancestral territories we live and work. We are mindful of broken covenants and the need to reconcile with all our relations. OLTA recently developed a Statement on Indigenous Conservation and Engagement. Visit the link for details.

A thank you from OLTA’s executive director Alison Howson. Thanking supporters, members, partners and volunteers associated with OLTA and all that they do to support OLTA and conservation.

Join us to learn more about the reporting process for both fee-simple and conservation easement agreement properties, things to consider when reporting your properties, and learn more about resources OLTA has developed to assist land trusts with screening and reporting properties to CPCAD.

This newly updated guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to establish a land trust. It covers essential topics such as organizational structure, governance, legal considerations, and fundraising. With helpful tips and best practices, this guide is designed to support new and emerging land trusts in protecting natural and cultural resources. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, this resource is your go-to reference for building a successful land trust.

Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (NFP Act) Form 4031.

An example of a by-law relating to the general conduct of the the affairs of Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust.

A sample of a Board policy review schedule.

T3010 charity return – Filing information

Review of Recent Initiatives to Modernize the Rules • Current Legislative Amendments Applying to Registered Charities and the Conduct of Political Activities and What’s on the Horizon • Current Draft Administrative Guidance Concerning Public Policy Dialogue and Development Activities by Charities

The Ontario Farmland Trust requires that strict confidentiality be maintained within the corporation with respect to all confidential information obtained by Trust volunteers, including Directors, concerning the organization and its staff, as well as the clients, donors, partners and others they serve.

In full accord with its constitutional bylaws, the OLTA Board of Governors, comprised of up to 15 members, governs the business and policies of the Alliance. The current bylaws prescribe operating rules for Trust membership, general duties and responsibilities of the Board, Officers, Staff, Committees and basic requirements for financial reporting, auditing, record keeping and meetings. The Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer and Executive Director are designated Officers of the Alliance.

Ideally, any board of directors should be made up of individuals who bring a wide array of skills and expertise to the task of governing a not-for-profit corporation. So it is perhaps fitting that in creating this publication, we have enjoyed the luxury of drawing on an exceptionally broad range of talents and experience.

The OLTA seeks to recruit capable and responsible persons as Board Members (Governors) who are committed to its vision, mission and good governance. The Board is comprised of a minimum of 9 members and not over a maximum of 15 members.

The OLTA Board is committed to Succession Planning (SP) as set out in this statement of its policy and process. Board succession is a critical task in the continued productivity and long-term sustainability of the OLTA and its mission. The main goal of Board SP Policy is to plan, organize and enable the smooth transition as Governors leave the Board and ensure key positions and skill gaps are filled.

The Board of Governors for the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (aka the OLTA) has developed this Emergency Leadership Plan to be implemented in the event of an unforeseen absence of its Executive Director.

The Board of the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust (ORMLT) has established a systematic Policy Framework to support its governing duties, liabilities and responsibilities. Policies are organized under basic categories e.g. Constitution & Mission, Trust Administration, Land Securement & Stewardship, Financial Management, Fundraising & Outreach.

The purpose of the policy is to provide the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) Governors, Employees, Volunteers and Service Providers with policy, standards of service and principles for corporate behaviour that support and uphold generally accepted professional standards.

The Board of Governors are collectively accountable to the OLTA members, funders, and other stakeholders. They are responsible for the performance of OLTA in relation to corporate vision and mission, for the oversight and implementation of strategic plans and programs, and for the effective stewardship of financial and human resources.

This document details mandate, membership, meetings, authority, and key responsibilities of the Board Committees of the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) Board of Directors (Board). The terms and conditions described in Section 1 of this document apply to all Board Committees, Operational Committees and Task Forces as a basis for their operations.

Sample of a resolution to accept the acquisition of properties listed below, and transfer associated funds to the Land Stewardship fund for [Year].

A Sample of a Land Trust’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

The Accountability Policy is based on the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy’s Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code as recommended by The Canadian Land Trust Alliance’s background paper. This policy’s primary purpose is to assure donors of the integrity and accountability of [ORGANIZATION] with respect to donors’ rights, fundraising practices and financial accountability.

A Sample of a Fundraising Policy.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals believes that ethical behavior fosters the development and growth of fundraising professionals and the fundraising profession and enhances philanthropy and volunteerism. AFP Members recognize their responsibility to ethically generate or support ethical generation of philanthropic support. Violation of the standards may subject the member to disciplinary sanctions as provided in the AFP Ethics Enforcement Procedures. AFP members, both individual and business, agree to abide (and ensure, to the best of their ability, that all members of their staff abide) by the AFP standards.

The expectation of board member involvement in fundraising continues to rise, yet many boards have not created a policy that specifies what that involvement should entail. A board fundraising policy can take the form of a narrative or a specialized agreement or contract in which board members indicate the amount they expect to contribute to the organization in the coming year and how they will participate in the fundraising efforts of the organization.

Guidelines for creating a Board Fundraising Policy.

A sample of a Bill of Rights for Donors – Policy and Principles.

A Sample of an Organization Policy and Managing Guidelines.

A Sample of Donor Appreciation Calls – Telephone Script.

A Sample Privacy Policy.

A Sample Privacy Policy

The purpose of this investment policy is to provide direction and an accountability structure in the execution and management of investment transactions for the land securement and property maintenance reserve fund.

The purpose of this investment policy is to provide direction and an accountability structure in the execution and management of investment transactions for the Land Forever Endowment Fund investment policy.

The Corporate Oversight and Governance Board (COGB) of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) has developed this guide to help directors of not-for-profit organizations (NFPs) understand the financial statements of the organization they serve. Although boards may delegate the detailed aspects of financial oversight to a board committee, all directors have a personal responsibility for ensuring that they understand the financial information provided to them and the financial implications of their decisions and actions.

A Sample Report on an Audit of Financial Statements.

A Sample of Financial Management Policies.

A Sample Manual on Financial Policies and Practices.

A Sample of a Financial Management Policy.

A Sample of a Record Management Policy.

A Sample of a Financial Management Policy.

A Sample of a Board Accountability and Risk Management Policy.

A Sample of a Risk Management Plan.

The purpose of this legal risk management checklist is to provide a brief outline of some of the more important issues that directors, officers, and executive staff of a charity, whether incorporated or not, may want to consider in ensuring due diligence in the operation of the charity.

A description of Nature Conservancy of Canada’s blanket liability insurance coverage.

A Sample of a Commercial Insurance Policy.

A Sample Policy on Accountability and Risk Management.

A sample strategic plan.

A sample of a confidentiality and service agreement for volunteers.

Volunteer Position Description Template.

A Sample for a Volunteer Position Description.

A Sample for a Volunteer Position Description.

A sample volunteer manual.

This Volunteer Orientation Manual is part one in the training process for new volunteers. This manual provides volunteers with information about the Bruce Trail Conservancy, its mission, vision and values, the land acquisition and fundraising programs, the volunteer process and volunteer positions. The second part of the training process is the Volunteer Training Manual.

This Volunteer Training Manual is part two in the training process for new volunteers. This manual provides volunteers with more information about what to expect when becoming a Bruce Trail Volunteer, more training resources, the volunteer awards, volunteer safety, insurance and the confidentiality agreement.

A sample of an emergency leadership plan.

Tip Sheet For Growing Leadership, Succession Planning and Avoiding Burnout.

A sample Human Resources Management Policy.

A sample Performance Evaluation, to be completed by the supervisor of the employee, intended to objectively assess a person’s performance during the review period, encourage good performance, and open communication between employees and their supervisors on work related matters.

Sample Job Description for a Monitoring and Outreach Technician.

This policy applies to all employees and independent contractors of The Couchiching Conservancy.

Sample Personnel Policies.

Policy document of Employee Orientation.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act sets out the rights and duties of all parties in the workplace, as well as the procedures for dealing with workplace hazards and for enforcement as needed.

An example of a Land Trust’s Health and Safety Policy.

These guidelines have been developed to help protect the health and safety of all Couchiching Conservancy volunteers.

The objective of these Guidelines was to build on and revise the 2008 “Strategic Planning for Species Conservation: A Handbook” using the diverse experiences of SCPSC members and others in planning for species over the intervening years.

A Primer for Using Conservation Science to Select and Design Community-based Nature Reserves.

An important challenge for Canadian society in addressing the natural environment, one of the three elements of sustainability along with society and economy, is to ensure that there is adequate wetland, riparian, forest and grassland habitat to sustain minimum viable wildlife populations and help maintain selected ecosystem functions and attributes. The goal of the How Much Habitat is Enough? series is to provide science-based information and guidelines related to these natural systems and the biodiversity for which we all are the stewards.

This report outlines the methods and results of an ecoregional assessment of the terrestrial biodiversity of the Canadian portion of the Great Lakes ecoregion. It complements an earlier ecoregional assessment of the American portion of the Great Lakes ecoregion, done by The (U.S.) Nature Conservancy (TNC) (Harkness et al., 1999).

Natural Heritage Systems design is the process of identifying critical areas on our landscape which serve as a “landscape backbone” – a set of natural areas and linkages that are important to maintain the health of the landscape. The mapping of and information about this “backbone” can be used to support land use planning, stewardship, restoration activities, the conservation of biodiversity, provision of ecosystem services, and other activities. A healthy environment is the foundation upon which a healthy community is built.

This user-friendly guide bridges the gap between conservation biology and its application to typical land trust projects. Intended for land trusts, landowners, biologists, planners, and students, the handbook explains what biodiversity is, how it’s conserved, what types of biological information are most useful, and how to gather such information through reviews of freely-available data sources and on-the-ground biological inventories.

It is the purpose of this document to: Provide the key messages the Trust needs to communicate; identify the primary stakeholders to whom the messages need to be conveyed; and, outline how the Trust will communicate its messages; and provide the process through which the Trust’s communication and outreach priorities will be established.

The Land Trust believes that effective communication and education are critical elements in promoting the conservation of natural, agricultural and cultural heritage landscapes. Clear, open communications and community education will be promoted on an ongoing basis.

Sample Policy – Property Acquisition and Disposal. The Land Trust believes it should be selective in the lands it chooses to protect, and use the best
possible methods for selecting and protecting these lands.

The purpose of the Greenlands Acquisition Project for 2016-2020 (GAP) is to provide background about, and implementation tools for, the securement of greenlands by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).

A sample of a Regional Land Securement Strategy.

Sample – Securement Direction and Principles Policy.

Ontario Ecological Gifts Handbook “Definition of Ecologically Sensitive Lands: Ontario”. For a current version of this handbook, please visit the EGP Publications page.

This form can be used by Employees, Supervisors, Task Managers and Subcontractors. This is a dynamic document which may require modification as the project moves from start to finish and should be readily available at the site where the work is being performed.

Sample of Property Record.

Partnerships of mutual benefit are an excellent way for OLTA and like-minded agencies to collaborate and accomplish more or better together, than they can alone. Recent conversations on opportunities indicate the OLTA Board should have basic “Principles for Partnerships” in place as a guide for the ED in going ahead with a partnership e.g. OLTA response to a request OR for OLTA to make a request.

An example of a Land Trust Partnership Policy.

Creating a Partnering Agreement will allow your team to build common ground rules and clarify expectations for project implementation, but it will also help avoid potential misunderstandings and conflict in the future. Partnership agreements can cover a range of detail depending on the complexity of the relationship, the degree of formality that it may take and the level at which the partners will interact, but there is no rule on what type of agreement should be used to formalize a partnership; your legal and grants staff can help you determine what you need.

A sample letter of intent regarding land donation.

A sample letter of intent regarding land donation.

Obtaining a Surveyors Real Property Report (SRPR) may be the most important thing you do before you close the deal on any purchase. Without a survey, you may not know the extent of your property. Only a Ontario Land Surveyor licensed to perform cadastral (legal boundary) surveys can provide you with this information. Without a survey, there is much you do not know and you are risking both your relationship with your neighbours, and your investment.

A Generic Sample Template for Property Securement Process – Checklist for Projects.

This document sets out OFT’s general principles, guidelines and approaches to acquiring interests in farmland through its Land Securement Program: strategies, types of interest in land to be sought, methods of acquisition, and criteria to evaluate farmland securement opportunities.

All land and easement projects are individually planned so that the property’s important conservation values are identified and protected, the project furthers the land trust’s mission and goals, and the project reflects the capacity of the organization to meet future stewardship obligations. This practice calls for each project to be tailored to the specifics of the property through some form of project planning. The process may take the form of an actual project plan, a completed project planning data sheet, or may be reflected in the correspondence, maps or other documents related to the project. The formal or informal project plan becomes the guide for the next steps in the protection process.

We have prepared this document to help land trusts manage conservation easement agreements to minimize the potential for conflicts and to respond effectively if a compliance problem arises. It is one part of a broader strategy to create a collective defense approach that will put land trusts in a strong position to deal with challenges to conservation easement agreements that may occur. It reflects the wisdom culled from a range of existing research documents and the real-life experiences of individuals on the ground.

Several Ontario statutes provide specific legislative authority for conservation agreements. The Ontario Conservation Land Act allows government organizations, conservation authorities, charitable corporations and certain other specified bodies to hold and enforce conservation agreements for land conservation and related purposes. Since this statute allows a wide variety of government and nongovernment organizations to hold conservation agreements, this sample agreement was prepared within the context of the Conservation Land Act, and all references in the sample agreement to the “Act” are references to this statute.

A Sample of a CONSERVATION EASEMENT AGREEMENT

A Sample of a CONSERVATION EASEMENT AGREEMENT

The Ontario Farmland Trust works directly with farmers and other farm owners to help them protect their land from non-agricultural development, such as urban sprawl and the mining of aggregates. By partnering with the Farmland Trust, farm families have the assurance that their land will continue to support agriculture for generations to come.

Farmland Easement Agreements offer farmers and other farm owners a tangible way to protect their land for farming, for future generations. Farm families can partner with land trusts, like the Ontario Farmland Trust, to establish easement agreements that ensure their farmland will never be converted to urban development or some other non-agricultural use in the future.

Farm owners can receive tax benefits by entering into farmland easement agreements with charitable land trusts to protect their farms from urban sprawl and other types of non-agricultural development. Such benefits are intended to make farmland preservation achievable and affordable for farmers and private landowners who choose to make this part of their legacy, and their contribution to a sustainable future for food and farming.

Government website to Search a range of government documents, from technical bulletins to minister’s orders, regarding land registration.

Search land records or securely register documents and survey plans for a property – all in one place.

Sample Policy Template. This policy, as adopted by the X Board of Directors embodies the functional principles of X’s Records Policy. Additionally, the X Executive Director is empowered to develop and amend procedural documents as needed to implement the Records Policy. This policy shall be applied in a manner consistent with the X Privacy and Security Policies.

This record-keeping policy establishes a framework for record keeping at The Couchiching Conservancy. It incorporates the requirements of the Canadian Land Trust Alliance (CLTA) Standards and Practices (Sections 2D, 6B, 9G, and Land Transactions sections 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12).

This policy seeks to address the process and requirements of ensuring sound transactions. Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) is a registered charity and receives gifts of lands and interests in lands of a broad range of value. Providing beneficial tax receipts to donors of these lands or interest in land should reflect “Fair Market Value” as defined by an appropriate and qualified professional.

A donor wishing to make an ecological gift must provide an appraisal as evidence of the value of the gift as part of the donor’s application to the Ecological Gifts Program. An appraisal is an estimate of the value of a property made by a qualified appraiser, sometimes referred to as a valuer. The Ecological Gifts Program has specific appraisal requirements set out in a document titled Guidelines for Appraisals which can be found on the Program’s web site at www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/egp-pde/.

After Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) receives a completed Application for Appraisal Review and Determination of the Fair Market Value of an Ecological Gift (application) and an appraisal report that meets our guidelines, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (the Minister) will make a determination of the fair market value of your donation. This determination and the issuance of the Statement of Fair Market Value are required for you to claim the appropriate income tax deduction or credit for ecological gifts. For additional information about the process, please contact the EGP Regional Coordinator nearest to you.

Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) Professional Appraisers (P. App.) are Canada’s real estate valuation experts. AIC Members are qualified professionals providing independent appraisal services, taking the guesswork out of your residential, commercial, and industrial real estate transactions.

First introduced in January 2001 and now revised every two (2) years, the Canadian Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (“The Standards,” or CUSPAP) respects the expanding role of the valuation professional within the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC).

A Guide to Stewardship, Monitoring and Costs in Holding Natural Heritage Lands and Conservation Agreements.

A Land Stewardship Fund policy document from the Ontario Farmland Trust Land.

A Final Report on Stewardship Funding to detail the annual stewardship obligations of the ORMLT and assess the funding requirements for the Land Forever Fund.

A fact sheet covering how to determine stewardship costs for conservation easement agreements.

A fact sheet that outlines the cost of enforcement for conservation easement agreements.

A Power Point Presentation on S & P 11A & 12 A.

For every conservation easement agreement (CEA) the land trust has a baseline documentation report (that includes a baseline map and photographs) prepared prior to closing and signed by the landowner at closing. Both the landowner and the land trust should hold at least one original copy.

A Fact Sheet on Conservation Easement Monitoring.

This document outlines a framework of protocols and practices used by a land trust to meet monitoring needs and obligations as guided by the Canadian Land Trust (CLT) Standards & Practices.

Property Record Summary of File Form

A sample template for a property record sheet.

A sample template for landowner contacts and summary reports.

A Fact Sheet that outlines Landowner Relations.

An example document of a Land Trust’s Landowner Relations manual. This manual will explain your duties and suggest some of the best and most effective ways to carry them out.

A chapter on enforcement practices from West Coast Environmental Law.

A sample policy document on Managing Violations on Easement Properties.

This document to helps land trusts manage conservation easement agreements to minimize the potential for conflicts and to respond effectively if a compliance problem arises. It is one part of a broader strategy to create a collective defense approach that will put land trusts in a strong position to deal with challenges to conservation easement agreements that may occur.

An example document of a Land Trust’s Easement Enforcement Guidelines.

Conservation Land Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.28

Policy Statement – The Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) is accountable for monitoring and maintaining the provisions as registered in each easement agreement. To do so, OFT staff and Board members complete annual site visits to each easement property. In the event that an amendment to the current easement is requested by a landowner, the following procedure will be undertaken.

This document lays out Bylaw Number Two of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance Inc.

A Fact Sheet for Determining Stewardship Costs for Land Trust Properties.

Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust (“ORMLT” or “the Trust”) Final Report of Task Group on Stewardship Funding.

Template for calculating Endowment Fund requirements.

A Guide to Land Stewardship is intended to provide information to the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s (BTC’s) volunteer Land Stewards and Club Land Stewardship Directors in the care and management of BTC owned and managed lands. This guide is the basis for the training of new volunteer Land Stewards. It should be read by all Land Stewards and Club Land Stewardship Directors.

A template for assessing on-site cultural values.

A template for assessing on-site natural values.

An example document of a Land Trust Stewardship Direction and Principles Policy.