Home » Updates

Updates for the last year

added 12/19/24

Conservation by Design Case Studies: 2016-2024

added 12/19/24

Rural by Design (2nd edition)

added 12/09/24

Abbreviations in Pennsylvania Conservation

added 12/09/24

Abbreviations in Pennsylvania Conservation

updated 11/11/24

Gwendolyn Lacy, Esq.

added 11/08/24

Gwendolyn Lacy, Esq.

updated 11/06/24

Using applied social science disciplines to implement creative outdoor cat management solutions and avoid the trap of one-size-fits-all policies

updated 11/06/24

Toolkit to Address Free-ranging Domestic Cats (Felis catus) on Agency Lands Managed for Native Wildlife and Ecosystem Health

updated 11/06/24

Summary of Active Deer Management Options

updated 11/06/24

Stream Restoration Project Shows Benefits of Removing Legacy Sediments

updated 11/06/24

PA DCNR Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Plan

updated 11/06/24

A Guide to the Conservation of Forest Interior Dwelling Birds in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area

updated 11/06/24

Natural Lands Trust Regulated Hunting Program

updated 11/06/24

Natural Lands Hazard Tree Program

updated 11/06/24

Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change

updated 11/06/24

Assessment Methodology for Streams and Rivers

updated 11/06/24

Invasive Species Plant List

updated 11/06/24

updated 11/06/24

Native Plant List for Landscaping

updated 11/06/24

Native Plant List for Restoration Planting

updated 11/06/24

Native Plant List for Urban Yards and Containers

updated 11/06/24

Table of Online Tools to Support Land Stewardship Decisions and Actions

updated 11/06/24

Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0

updated 11/06/24

Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in Streams and Wadeable Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic Macroinvertebrates, and fish.

updated 11/06/24

Water Quality Monitoring Protocols for Streams and Rivers

updated 11/06/24

Stewardship Handbook Additional Resources Table

updated 11/01/24

Model Conservation Easement Donation Agreement with Commentary

added 10/31/24

Model Baseline Documentation Acknowledgment with Commentary

updated 10/29/24

Model Conservation Easement Donation Agreement with Commentary

added 10/28/24

Chris Blaze, PLS

updated 10/28/24

Purchase Options

updated 10/23/24

updated 10/23/24

Unowned Cat Management

updated 10/23/24

Native Plant Recommendations

updated 10/23/24

Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program

updated 10/23/24

Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program

updated 10/23/24

Agricultural Security Areas

updated 10/23/24

Agricultural Security Areas

added 10/22/24

Table of Online Tools to Support Land Stewardship Decisions and Actions

added 10/22/24

Stewardship Handbook Additional Resources Table

updated 10/22/24

Recreational Use

updated 10/22/24

Tree Selection and Planting

updated 10/22/24

Invasive Plants

updated 10/22/24

Habitat Improvements for Native Wildlife

updated 10/22/24

Deer Management

updated 10/22/24

Addressing Climate Change on Natural Lands

updated 10/22/24

Wetland Management

updated 10/22/24

Water Resources

updated 10/22/24

Shrubland Management

updated 10/22/24

Making the Most of Human Engineered Areas

updated 10/22/24

Grassland and Meadow Management

updated 10/22/24

Forest Management

updated 10/22/24

Major Natural Resources

updated 10/22/24

Preparing a Stewardship Plan

updated 10/21/24

Model Release of Liability Form

updated 10/21/24

Model Permission for Encroachment

updated 10/21/24

Model Consent, Non-Disturbance, and Subordination Agreement with Commentary, 2nd edition

updated 10/21/24

Model Assignment of Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants

updated 10/21/24

Acting on Owner Requests for Review, Waiver, and Interpretation Regarding Conservation Easements

updated 10/21/24

Model Trail License Agreement with Commentary

updated 10/21/24

Model Trail Easement Agreement with Commentary

updated 10/21/24

Model Grant of Trail Easement with Commentary: A Short Form Alternative to the Model Trail Easement Agreement

updated 10/21/24

Model Grant of Fishing and Boating Access Easement

updated 10/21/24

Model Grant of Access Easement for Environmental Stewardship with Commentary, 2nd edition

updated 10/21/24

Model Fishing Access Agreement and Commentary

updated 10/21/24

Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants for Riparian Buffer Protection

updated 10/21/24

Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants

updated 10/21/24

Model Amendment of Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants

updated 10/21/24

Adding to Land Under Conservation Easement

updated 10/21/24

Model Conservation Easement Donation Agreement with Commentary

updated 10/17/24

Recreational Use

added 10/17/24

Native Plant List for Restoration Planting

added 10/17/24

Native Plant List for Urban Yards and Containers

added 10/17/24

Native Plant List for Landscaping

added 10/17/24

Native Plant Recommendations

updated 10/17/24

Key Concept: Good, Better, Best

added 10/17/24

Key Concept: What is Native?

added 10/16/24

Habitat Improvements for Native Wildlife

added 10/14/24

Prescribed Fire

updated 10/14/24

Unowned Cat Management

added 10/14/24

Wetland Management

added 10/14/24

Shrubland Management

added 10/14/24

Making the Most of Human Engineered Areas

added 10/14/24

Major Natural Resources

added 10/14/24

Key Concept: Sustainable Stewardship

added 10/14/24

Key Concept: Fragmentation

updated 10/14/24

Key Concept: Good, Better, Best

updated 10/11/24

Key Concept: Good, Better, Best

updated 10/09/24

Acting on Owner Requests for Review, Waiver, and Interpretation Regarding Conservation Easements

updated 10/09/24

Acting on Owner Requests for Review, Waiver, and Interpretation Regarding Conservation Easements

updated 10/09/24

Model Policy for Acting on Owner Requests for Review, Waiver, and Interpretation

added 10/03/24

Acting on Owner Requests for Review, Waiver, and Interpretation Regarding Conservation Easements

added 10/03/24

Acting on Owner Requests for Review, Waiver, and Interpretation Regarding Conservation Easements

added 10/03/24

Model Policy for Acting on Owner Requests for Review, Waiver, and Interpretation

updated 09/16/24

Funding Conservation Easement Stewardship

updated 09/16/24

Funding Conservation Easement Stewardship: Your Role as the Land's Owner and Conservation Champion

updated 09/13/24

Legal Considerations for Stewardship Funding Arrangements

updated 09/13/24

Legal Considerations for Stewardship Funding Arrangements: Binding Present and Future Landowners to Present Promises

updated 09/12/24

Funding Conservation Easement Stewardship

updated 09/12/24

Funding Conservation Easement Stewardship: Your Role as the Land's Owner and Conservation Champion

updated 09/03/24

Model Stewardship Funding Covenant with Commentary

updated 09/03/24

Stewardship Funding Arrangements

updated 09/03/24

Stewardship Funding Arrangements: Supporting Easement Holders in Carrying out Their Conservation Duties

added 08/30/24

Trail Design and Maintenance

added 08/30/24

Recreational Use

added 08/30/24

Tree Selection and Planting

added 08/30/24

updated 08/30/24

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy Stewardship Budget

updated 08/29/24

Preparing a Stewardship Plan

added 08/29/24

Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0

updated 08/29/24

Key Concept: Good, Better, Best

updated 08/29/24

Natural Lands Trust Regulated Hunting Program

updated 08/29/24

Invasive Species Plant List

added 08/29/24

Invasive Plants

added 08/29/24

Hazard Tree Monitoring Program

added 08/29/24

Deer Management

updated 08/27/24

updated 08/27/24

Closing: Finalizing the Real Estate Transaction

added 08/27/24

Patricia L. Pregmon, Esq.

updated 08/25/24

Goose Management

updated 08/25/24

Addressing Climate Change on Natural Lands

added 08/25/24

Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in Streams and Wadeable Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic Macroinvertebrates, and fish.

added 08/25/24

Assessment Methodology for Streams and Rivers

added 08/25/24

Water Quality Monitoring Protocols for Streams and Rivers

updated 08/25/24

Water Resources

updated 08/25/24

Grassland and Meadow Management

added 08/23/24

Determining the Size of Eastern Forest Reserves

added 08/23/24

A Guide to the Conservation of Forest Interior Dwelling Birds in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area

added 08/23/24

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Control Options

added 08/23/24

Forest Health Fact Sheet: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

added 08/23/24

Recommendations for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Control in the Landscape

added 08/23/24

Stream Restoration Project Shows Benefits of Removing Legacy Sediments

added 08/23/24

Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change

added 08/23/24

PA DCNR Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Plan

added 08/23/24

Natural Lands Trust Regulated Hunting Program

added 08/23/24

Invasive Species Plant List

added 08/23/24

Natural Lands Hazard Tree Program

added 08/23/24

Summary of Active Deer Management Options

added 08/23/24

Addressing Climate Change on Natural Lands

added 08/23/24

Water Resources

added 08/23/24

Water Resources

added 08/23/24

Grassland and Meadow Management

updated 08/23/24

Forest Management

updated 08/22/24

Forest Management

updated 08/22/24

Placing Transfer Fees in Grants of Conservation Easement

added 08/09/24

Kristin S. Camp

added 08/09/24

William J. Burke, III

added 08/07/24

2023 Pennsylvania Land Trust Census Report

updated 08/01/24

Farmland Preservation Annual Reports: 2008–2023

updated 07/31/24

Goose Management

added 07/31/24

Toolkit to Address Free-ranging Domestic Cats (Felis catus) on Agency Lands Managed for Native Wildlife and Ecosystem Health

added 07/31/24

Using applied social science disciplines to implement creative outdoor cat management solutions and avoid the trap of one-size-fits-all policies

added 07/31/24

added 07/31/24

Unowned Cat Management

updated 07/30/24

Goose Management

updated 07/30/24

Model Stewardship Funding Covenant with Commentary

added 07/30/24

Placing Transfer Fees in Grants of Conservation Easement

added 07/30/24

Placing Transfer Fees in Grants of Conservation Easement

updated 07/26/24

Farmland Preservation Annual Reports: 2008–2023

updated 07/26/24

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture/Bureau of Farmland Preservation Website

updated 07/19/24

Crowdfunding for Land Trusts

updated 07/19/24

Crowdfunding for Land Trusts

updated 07/18/24

Clean and Green: Pennsylvania's Preferential Tax Assessment Program

updated 07/18/24

Clean and Green

updated 07/15/24

Model Compliance Statement with Commentary

added 07/15/24

Estoppel Certificates, Compliance Statements, and Conservation Easements

updated 07/15/24

Estoppel Certificates, Compliance Statements, and Conservation Easements

updated 07/12/24

Model Compliance Statement with Commentary

updated 07/12/24

Legal Considerations in Amending Grants of Conservation Easement

updated 07/12/24

Legal Considerations in Amending Grants of Conservation Easement

updated 07/02/24

Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants

updated 06/27/24

Parks in Perpetuity: The Protections Provided to Parks and Other Public Open Spaces Under Pennsylvania Law

updated 06/27/24

Parks in Perpetuity

updated 06/26/24

Pennsylvania Annual Trail Reports

updated 06/26/24

Model Declaration of Public Trust with Commentary

added 06/26/24

Model Compliance Statement with Commentary

added 06/26/24

Estoppel Certificates, Compliance Statements, and Conservation Easements

updated 06/25/24

Ensuring the Permanence of Parks and Other Public Open Space

updated 06/25/24

Ensuring the Permanence of Parks and Other Public Open Space: Safeguards for Lands Entrusted to Local Government

updated 06/24/24

Model Declaration of Public Trust for Conservation Easements (with Commentary)

updated 06/22/24

Model Declaration of Public Trust for Conservation Easements (with Commentary)

updated 06/21/24

Ensuring the Permanence of Parks and Other Public Open Space

updated 06/21/24

Ensuring the Permanence of Parks and Other Public Open Space: Safeguards for Lands Entrusted to Local Government

updated 06/21/24

Gift of a Future Interest in Real Estate: Reserved Life Estates Keep Owners in Control During Their Lifetimes

updated 06/21/24

Gift of a Future Interest in Real Estate

added 06/17/24

East Whiteland Township Ordinance Authorizing Conservation Referendum

added 06/12/24

updated 06/12/24

Estoppel Certificate

updated 06/06/24

Statutory Protection from Liability Related to Public Access

updated 06/04/24

Legal Considerations in Amending Grants of Conservation Easement

updated 06/04/24

Legal Considerations in Amending Grants of Conservation Easement

updated 06/04/24

Model Policy for Conservation Easement Amendment

updated 06/03/24

Guidelines for Conservation Easement Amendments, Waivers, and Letters of Interpretation

updated 06/03/24

Guidelines for Conservation Easement Amendments, Waivers, and Letters of Interpretation

updated 05/17/24

Model Release of Liability Form

updated 05/17/24

Release of Liability Form

updated 05/16/24

Release of Liability Form: A Tool to Reduce the Risk of Claims for Personal Injury or Property Loss

added 05/15/24

Model Policy for Conservation Easement Amendment

updated 05/15/24

Guidelines for Conservation Easement Amendments, Waivers, and Letters of Interpretation

added 05/10/24

Statutory Protection from Liability Related to Public Access

updated 05/10/24

Statutory Protection from Liability Related to Public Access: Pennsylvania Law Supports Opening Land to the Public

updated 05/10/24

Reducing Liability Associated with Public Access

updated 05/10/24

Reducing Liability Associated with Public Access

updated 05/10/24

Making Restricted Gifts: Impacts of Restrictions on Charitable Tax Deductions

updated 05/07/24

Making Restricted Gifts: Impacts of Restrictions on Charitable Tax Deductions

updated 05/07/24

Making Restricted Gifts

updated 05/05/24

Legal Considerations in Amending Grants of Conservation Easement

updated 05/02/24

Legal Considerations in Amending Grants of Conservation Easement

updated 05/02/24

Legal Considerations in Amending Grants of Conservation Easement

updated 05/02/24

Model Declaration of Public Trust with Commentary

updated 05/01/24

Purchase and Sale Agreements for Conservation Projects

updated 04/29/24

Reducing Liability Associated with Public Access

updated 04/29/24

Reducing Liability Associated with Public Access

updated 04/29/24

Ensuring the Permanence of Parks and Other Public Open Space

updated 04/29/24

Model Declaration of Public Trust with Commentary

added 04/29/24

Ensuring the Permanence of Parks and Other Public Open Space: Safeguards for Lands Entrusted to Local Government

updated 04/26/24

Ensuring the Permanence of Parks and Other Public Open Space

updated 04/26/24

Model Declaration of Public Trust for Conservation Easements (with Commentary)

updated 04/25/24

Model Declaration of Public Trust for Conservation Easements (with Commentary)

updated 04/25/24

Model Declaration of Public Trust with Commentary

updated 04/22/24

Model Declaration of Public Trust with Commentary

updated 04/21/24

Model Declaration of Public Trust for Conservation Easements (with Commentary)

added 04/20/24

Model Declaration of Public Trust for Conservation Easements (with Commentary)

updated 04/20/24

Model Declaration of Public Trust with Commentary

added 04/16/24

IRS letter ruling 201110020

updated 03/26/24

Guidelines for Conservation Easement Amendments, Waivers, and Letters of Interpretation

updated 03/26/24

Model Declaration of Public Trust with Commentary

updated 03/24/24

Indemnity Agreements and Liability Insurance: Protection From Claims Brought by Third Parties

added 02/29/24

Goose Management

added 02/29/24

Recreational Use

added 02/29/24

Forest Management

added 02/28/24

Preparing a Stewardship Plan

added 02/28/24

Key Concept: Good, Better, Best

updated 02/27/24

A Methodology for Valuing Town Conservation Land

updated 02/27/24

Protecting Open Space and Ourselves: Reducing Flood Risk in the Gulf of Mexico Through Strategic Land Conservation

updated 02/27/24

Schuylkill Watershed Priority Lands Tool

updated 02/27/24

Backyard Open Space: Challenges of Managing Open Space in Subdivisions

updated 02/27/24

Land Trust Accreditation

updated 02/27/24

Land Trust Accreditation

updated 02/25/24

Watershed-Based Conservation Projects

added 02/21/24

TPL-Assisted Referendum Successes

added 02/21/24

Open Space Plan: Perkiomen Township

added 02/21/24

Ordinance 2016-03 for Referendum on Continuation of 0.25% Income Tax Credit for Open Space Preservation Purposes: Lower Saucon Township

added 02/21/24

Ordinance 2022-01 for Referendum on Establishment of 0.25% Income Tax Credit for Open Space Purposes: East Allen Township

added 02/21/24

Ordinance 392 for Referendum on Increase in Income Tax Credit for Open Space Purposes: Whitpain Township

added 02/21/24

Ordinance 2019.7.11 for a Referendum on the Establishment of Income Tax Credit for Open Space: Lower Frederick Township

added 02/21/24

Ordinance 2021-04 for Referendum to Establish 0.15% Income Tax Credit for Open Space Purposes: Lower Macungie Township

added 02/21/24

Ordinance 2022-06 Authorizing Referendum On Income Tax Credit and Property Tax Increases for Open Space Purposes: Westtown Township

added 02/21/24

Ordinance 2016-1 Authorizing Referendum on Property Tax Rate of 0.15 Mills for Open Space Purposes: Newlin Township

added 02/19/24

Lower Frederick Township Open Space Plan

added 02/19/24

Upper Dublin Township Open Space Plan

added 02/19/24

Ordinance 297 to Re-Approve 0.1% Open Space Income Tax Credit: Richland Township

added 02/19/24

Lower Nazareth Township Recreation, Parks, and Open Space Master Plan

added 02/19/24

Comprehensive Recreation, Park, and Open Space Plan: Hellam Township and Hallam Borough

added 02/19/24

Milford Township Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan

added 02/19/24

Open Space Plan: Upper Pottsgrove Township

added 02/19/24

East Coventry Township Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan

added 02/19/24

Whitemarsh Township Open Space Preservation Report 2006-2023

added 02/19/24

Upper Saucon Township Recreation and Open Space Plan (update)

added 02/19/24

Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Plan Update 2021-2030: Whitpain Township

updated 02/16/24

Pennsylvania’s Recreation Plan 2004–2008: Executive Summary

updated 02/16/24

Open Space Program Handbook

updated 02/16/24

Growing... Naturally: Pike County Open Space, Greenways and Recreation Plan

added 02/16/24

Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan 2021: East Marlborough Township

added 02/15/24

Comprehensive Recreation, Parks and Open Space Plan Update: Silver Spring Township

updated 02/13/24

Local Municipal Open Space Referendums in Pennsylvania: 2023 Status Report

updated 02/12/24

Making Restricted Gifts

added 02/12/24

Making Restricted Gifts: Impacts of Restrictions on Charitable Tax Deductions

added 02/07/24

updated 02/06/24

Guide to the Conservation and Preservation Easements Act

updated 02/06/24

Guide to the Conservation and Preservation Easements Act: Pennsylvania Act 29 of 2001

updated 02/05/24

Stewardship Endowment Sample

updated 02/02/24

Stewardship Endowment Sample

added 02/02/24

Negative Easement

updated 02/02/24

Cost of Community Services Studies

updated 02/02/24

Cost of Community Services Studies

updated 02/02/24

The Nature of the Conservation Easement and the Document Granting It

added 01/31/24

Return on Environment: The Economic Value of Protected Open Space in Chester County, Pennsylvania

updated 01/30/24

Not a Public Trust

updated 01/30/24

Not a Charitable Trust

updated 01/30/24

Who Has Standing?

updated 01/30/24

Who Has Standing? Conservation Easements in Pennsylvania Courts

updated 01/29/24

Public Dedication of Land and Fees-in-Lieu for Parks and Recreation in Pennsylvania

updated 01/29/24

Public Dedication of Land and Fees-in-Lieu for Parks and Recreation in Pennsylvania

updated 01/29/24

Co-Holding Conservation Easements

updated 01/29/24

Co-Holding Conservation Easements: Considerations for Good Management and Conservation Outcomes

updated 01/29/24

Beneficiaries and Backup Holders

added 01/29/24

Beneficiaries and Backup Holders: Providing Third Parties With Rights but Not Responsibilities Regarding Conservation Easements

updated 01/25/24

Mini Recreation and Park Plan

updated 01/25/24

Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Plan

added 01/24/24

added 01/24/24

West Providence Township Solar Energy System Ordinance

added 01/24/24

Beneficiaries and Backup Holders

updated 01/12/24

Model Documents Overview

updated 01/12/24

Model Documents Overview

updated 01/12/24

Restricted Gifts

updated 01/12/24

Restricted Gifts: Considerations in Accepting, Managing, and Soliciting Gifts for a Specific Purpose

updated 01/12/24

Reducing Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax

updated 01/12/24

Reducing Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax

updated 01/10/24

Inheritance and Estate Tax Act (PA)

added 01/09/24

Making Restricted Gifts

updated 01/09/24

Installment Agreement

updated 01/09/24

Installment Agreement

updated 01/08/24

Conservation Easements in Court

updated 01/08/24

Seller Take Back Financing

updated 01/05/24

Seller Take Back Financing

updated 01/04/24

Seller Take Back Financing

updated 01/04/24

Seller Take Back Financing

updated 01/04/24

Conservation Easements in Court

updated 01/03/24

Conservation Easements in Court: A Review of Easement Violation and Enforcement Litigation in Pennsylvania