Stewardship Ambassadors, members of SKLT’s Stewardship Committee, will support staff by assisting with monitoring visits and communication with landowners. Under this updated program, each CE property will be visited by staff and/or a trained volunteer who has reviewed the property’s records and aerial imagery from the Town of South Kingstown’s GIS system. Ideally, SKLT will meet landowners on-site to walk the property together and answer any questions, helping build trust, prevent misunderstandings, and support long-term compliance. Following each visit, staff reviews the findings, finalizes the monitoring report, and shares a copy with the landowner.
Supporting Easement Holders With Clear Information
To support this more collaborative approach, SKLT has developed a new Conservation Easement Handbook for landowners. This plain-language guide explains what a conservation easement is, outlines the roles of both landowners and SKLT, and clarifies terms such as grantor, reserved rights, and baseline documentation. It also provides guidance for projects that may require prior approval, helping landowners plan confidently and avoid unnecessary confusion and expense.
Why This Matters
Monitoring is not about identifying violations, it is about protecting conservation values, maintaining accurate records, and building strong relationships. Regular visits and clear communication help address small issues early, keeping easements effective, enforceable, and meaningful. By strengthening both our monitoring practices and the tools that support them, SKLT is better equipped to steward the lands entrusted to us—now and into the future.