CLCC Template Library
Policy Sample Library
This template library contains a number of sample policies specific to Connecticut land trusts. The samples presented here are actual policies currently in use by land trusts in Connecticut, and CLCC generally believes these represent good practices.
These policies should be viewed only as examples. They are not comprehensive, and this is one resource among many that are available to you. Your land trust’s board should exercise its best judgment in adopting or amending your own policies, and consult an attorney as needed. The policies and the information contained herein are intended to be informational, and are not a substitute for seeking legal advice.
Not all policies will be necessary or even desirable for all land trusts. The policies you choose to adopt—and how you modify them to suit your needs—will be specific to your own organization. But we hope that this library provides a starting point with some high quality sample policies.
Connecticut Land Trust Policy Sample Library
Last updated on July 27, 2021
NOTE: It is not sufficient for an organization simply to adopt this library of policies. There are many assets that are essential to the smooth running of a non-profit organization such as budget templates, strategic plans, risk assessments, and more, which are not included here at this time. It is every land trust’s responsibility to think not only of the adoption of good policies, but the implementation of those policies as well.
Special thanks to:
- Lauren Ashbrook and Brad Ward, graduate students at the Yale School of the Environment
- Amanda Branson, Sharon Feeley, and Connie Manes, co-chairs of the CLCC Accredited Land Trust working group
- Each of the Connecticut land trusts who provided us with template policies for inclusion in the library.
Sign Samples
CLCC's sign collection includes example signage for land trusts and other conservation and trail organizations. If you have helpful signage to share, please contact Cristina at chayden@ctconservation.org
For additional (non-CT) samples visit WeConservePA's sign gallery: https://gallery.conservationtools.org
Land Trust Standards and Practices
The Land Trust Alliance (LTA) has developed the Land Trust Standards and Practices (the “Standards”) to help organizations operate in an ethically and technically sound manner. The Standards include 12 standards comprised of 59 different practices divided into 188 practice elements, which together describe the actions required to meet the Standards. While adoption of the Standards is required for membership in LTA, it is also widely considered best practice, whether or not your land trust is interested in membership. Many of the policies in this library help to meet the Standards, but others are supplemental.
Resources:
- LTA Land Trust Standards and Practices (revised 2017)
- Board Resolution to adopt the Standards
- Land Trust Standards and Practices guidance on the Learning Center (log-in required)
The Learning Center is a service offered to Alliance-member land trusts, affiliates and individual supporters at the $500 level and above.
Accreditation
Some Connecticut land trusts may be interested in land trust accreditation, which is awarded by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission to land trusts which meet high standards for excellence in conservation. A number of the policies in this library are required for accreditation. For further info, please refer to the resources listed below or contact the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
Resources:
