Gathering Waters Inc

Programs: Technical training and assistance to land trusts: build the capacity of wisconsin land trusts and conservation organizations through one-on-one mentorship and technical assistance, conferences, and workshops. The "land trust education and advancement program" (leap) works intensively with selected land trusts to move them closer to accreditation by the land trust alliance, a national association of land trusts. Since 2011 gathering waters has provided leap assistance to over 30 land trusts across wisconsin. During 2017 gathering waters organized a statewide conference for conservation organizations and provided technical assistance grants to 5 wisconsin land trusts.

education and public outreach: educate the general public, professionals, and landowners about the importance of private land conservation and voluntary tools available to set aside private land for conservation. Gathering waters maintains an interactive website and publishes paper and electronic newsletters throughout the year. In addition, gathering waters organized an awards celebration to honor significant contributions made by leaders in land conservation.

policy and government relations: work with decision makers at all levels of government to promote state, local, and federal policies that support the work of land trusts and the conservation of private land. Specifically, gathering waters advocates for continuation of funding for the knowles nelson stewardship fund, a program of public financial support for the preservation of land in wisconsin.

program development: plan for the future of land and water conservation in wisconsin through consultation with land trusts and other conservation leaders and strategic planning activities.