Resource Library
As demand for renewable energy grows, so does the challenge of siting projects in ways that protect open space, wildlife habitat, and working lands. This page contains a series or resources that explore the intersection of solar, wind, and other renewables with land conservation, offering guidance on policy considerations, best practices, and strategies for responsible siting. Land trusts can use these resources to navigate the complex balance between clean energy development and protecting the landscapes we value.
Looking for actionable fundraising advice tailored to land trusts? First Thing Tuesday, a blog by fundraising expert David Allen, offers weekly insights on donor engagement, board involvement, membership growth, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or just getting started, this blog provides practical tips, thought-provoking strategies, and real-world examples to help land trusts build stronger, more sustainable fundraising programs.
Understanding nonprofit governance is crucial for land trusts, and the Connecticut Nonstock Corporation Act provides the legal foundation for how nonprofits operate in the state. This resource links directly to the full text of the Act, offering guidance on board responsibilities, member rights, and organizational compliance. Whether you’re forming a new land trust, updating bylaws, or navigating governance questions, this is a key reference for ensuring your organization stays legally sound.
Strong policies are the foundation of a well-run land trust. CLCC’s Sample Policy Library provides a collection of ready-to-use templates covering governance, land stewardship, financial management, and more. Whether your land trust is refining existing policies or drafting new ones, these samples offer a valuable starting point to ensure best practices and compliance with Land Trust Standards & Practices. Use this resource to streamline policy development and strengthen your organization’s operations.
The U.S. Treasury published new regulations that have important implications for land trusts working on easement or land donations from pass-through entities, such as a partnership or limited liability company. These regulations are dense, complicated and open to further interpretation, but the basic takeaway is that, in certain circumstances, land trusts may need to report and disclose information to the IRS about these donations if the land trust acts as a “material advisor.” If the land trust fails to do so, it could trigger a $200,000 penalty. This creates a first-of-its-kind potential financial liability for land trusts.
CLCC annually contributes testimony and comments related to land conservation laws, policies, programs, and funding, as well as other priorities central to the health and wellbeing of Connecticut’s communities, environment, economy, and quality of life.
The Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) hosted a Zoom on September 17, 2024 to discuss state land conservation planning and open space grant funding programs.
Click below to download the slides in PDF form, or to view a recording of the video.
Land trusts play a critical role in ensuring that farmland remains accessible, productive, and protected for future generations. “Farmland Access & Ownership: An Overview of Barriers, Models, and Actions to Increase Land Access for Connecticut’s BIPOC Farmers”, examines the challenges farmers face in securing land and explores opportunities for land trusts to support farmland affordability, leasing models, and long-term conservation. With data-driven insights and policy recommendations, this resource helps land trusts strengthen their farmland protection efforts, engage with local farmers, and develop strategies to keep working lands in agricultural production.
Welcome to our comprehensive collection of resources on climate-smart stewardship. Here, you’ll find a diverse array of materials designed to support your journey in understanding and implementing climate-smart practices. These resources range from explanations of what climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices to planning tools like the USFS Tree Atlas and NIACS Adaptation Journal, which offer invaluable insights and guidance for effective stewardship in a changing climate. These resources can be helpful for anyone from seasoned land stewards, to new landowners, or concerned nature lovers.
If you find additional resources that are helpful to you and not located on this page, send them to rbentley@ctconservation.org to add them.