West Virginia Land Trust Inc

Causes: Environment, Land Resources Conservation

Mission: The wvlt protects "special places" in wv, which include lands that give wv its distinctive character and

Programs: Property and easement inquiry, evaluation and acquisition: wvlt works in partnership with other conservation organizations and landowners to protect land that meets the conservation criteria and purposes as defined by the irs code. In doing so, wvlt researches potential land easement acquisitions, evaluates them according to a set of conversation criteria, and then works with the land owners to protect the property and its conservation assets by acquiring the land in fee or through donation or purchase, or by acquiring a conservation easement through a donation,purchase or bargain sale.

property and easement maintenance: upon securing a conservation easement, the wvlt initiates an annual monitoring program to ensure that the covenants in the easement are adhered to and that the conservation values that have been recognized are protected in perpetuity. If there are violations of the easement, the wvlt will work with the owner to develop an action plan to mitigate any damages and if necessary, will legally defend the easement in court. When the land trust acquires property in fee

public education: as the only statewide land trust, the wvlt works to educate local groups and communities about the value of land conservation, both from an environmental and land use perspective. Strategies include development of web based materials, distribution of various printed materials, training and networking opportunities, educational workshops, presentation to civic organizations and attendance at community forums