This document provides recommendations for FLT's Baseline Documentation Report (BDR) and Monitoring Report procedures and templates. It recommends that BDRs be prepared by qualified professionals and include components like the property description, conservation values, and threats. Monitoring should ideally occur annually and be documented in reports addressing compliance with the conservation easement and noting any issues. The document also recommends FLT develop guidelines for their volunteer-based monitoring program to help manage an increasing portfolio of properties. Templates for the BDR and Monitoring Report are provided in appendices.
The document outlines the key steps in budget execution in the Philippines:
1. DBM issues guidelines and agencies submit Budget Execution Documents outlining plans.
2. DBM prepares an Allotment Release Program and Cash Release Program to set limits on agency spending.
3. Allotments authorizing agency obligations are released through the Agency Budget Matrix or Special Allotment Release Orders.
4. The 2013 budget aims to simplify this by making the GAA the comprehensive allotment release document.
Shauna Fitzsimmons: Managing to the DFC, TWCA Fall Conference 2015TWCA
This document discusses how groundwater districts can regulate groundwater production to avoid limiting or curtailing production in the future. It recommends that districts develop regulatory systems based on local conditions when current or projected use exceeds the annual water budget. Districts should consider major water users, property rights, and investment expectations. The document also provides tips on structuring regulations to reduce the risk of takings liability, such as providing lead time for production cuts and including variance processes.
John Anderson: Federal Updates, TWCA Fall Conference 2015TWCA
This document summarizes federal actions related to water resources and provides advice on how to influence policy decisions in Washington. It outlines major policy issues under consideration, including the Waters of the U.S. rule, water supply rules, the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard, and implementation of the 2014 Water Resources Reform and Development Act. It emphasizes the importance of staying engaged with members of Congress, agencies, and water associations to shape policy and ensure local priorities receive funding and attention. The overall message is that local stakeholders can impact federal decisions by making their views heard in Washington.
The document is a condition report for the Cluain Mhuire Chapel. It finds the building to be in fair condition overall, with some repairs needed to the roof, stained glass windows, and exterior features. The conservation value of the building is highlighted, being of historical, architectural, and religious significance. A schedule of items to conserve is provided, along with conservation principles, issues to address, and recommendations for maintenance and restoration works respecting the building's integrity.
This document provides an analysis of the Kota Raja Fire & Rescue Station building in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia. It begins with an introduction to the history of Klang and the contextual site conditions surrounding the fire station. Next, it discusses the history of the fire station building itself, originally constructed in the 1890s. The document then analyzes the physical, social, and cultural contextual conditions of the fire station, examining elements like its Victorian architectural style, brick construction, acoustic and thermal properties of different spaces, levels of safety, and the preservation of its original design elements over time. In summary, the document conducts a comprehensive architectural analysis of the historic Kota Raja Fire & Rescue Station building through
Situation Remix - For A Performative Art PracticeDaneSutherland85
This document discusses plans to squat a building for a weekend to create a collective social space. It provides the date, time and location to meet on July 29th at the Puerta Hotel Arrate in Eibar, Spain. It states that during the weekend they will get to know each other, organize living and eating arrangements, and work together in a state of fragility. The goal is to expropriate from the expropriators in times of crisis through occupation and improvisation.
This document provides an introduction and analysis of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery building in Klang, Malaysia. It discusses the building's history, describing how it was originally constructed in 1909 as a British administration office and has since served various functions. The document outlines the building's design by architect A.B. Hubback and renovation led by architect Laurent Lim. It also analyzes the building's physical condition before and after renovation, and discusses the social, cultural, and political contexts of the building.
Sustainable Action Canmore was a community-wide social marketing program in Canmore, Alberta that aimed to encourage residents to adopt more environmentally sustainable behaviors. The program utilized in-person canvassing to ask residents to commit to one sustainable action, provided incentives like reusable bags and energy efficient light bulbs, and followed up by phone to encourage further actions. Over 6,100 homes were visited with a 51% response rate, resulting in 3,404 households committing to the program and high reported usage of the sustainable action items provided.
The document outlines the key steps in budget execution in the Philippines:
1. DBM issues guidelines and agencies submit Budget Execution Documents outlining plans.
2. DBM prepares an Allotment Release Program and Cash Release Program to set limits on agency spending.
3. Allotments authorizing agency obligations are released through the Agency Budget Matrix or Special Allotment Release Orders.
4. The 2013 budget aims to simplify this by making the GAA the comprehensive allotment release document.
Shauna Fitzsimmons: Managing to the DFC, TWCA Fall Conference 2015TWCA
This document discusses how groundwater districts can regulate groundwater production to avoid limiting or curtailing production in the future. It recommends that districts develop regulatory systems based on local conditions when current or projected use exceeds the annual water budget. Districts should consider major water users, property rights, and investment expectations. The document also provides tips on structuring regulations to reduce the risk of takings liability, such as providing lead time for production cuts and including variance processes.
John Anderson: Federal Updates, TWCA Fall Conference 2015TWCA
This document summarizes federal actions related to water resources and provides advice on how to influence policy decisions in Washington. It outlines major policy issues under consideration, including the Waters of the U.S. rule, water supply rules, the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard, and implementation of the 2014 Water Resources Reform and Development Act. It emphasizes the importance of staying engaged with members of Congress, agencies, and water associations to shape policy and ensure local priorities receive funding and attention. The overall message is that local stakeholders can impact federal decisions by making their views heard in Washington.
The document is a condition report for the Cluain Mhuire Chapel. It finds the building to be in fair condition overall, with some repairs needed to the roof, stained glass windows, and exterior features. The conservation value of the building is highlighted, being of historical, architectural, and religious significance. A schedule of items to conserve is provided, along with conservation principles, issues to address, and recommendations for maintenance and restoration works respecting the building's integrity.
This document provides an analysis of the Kota Raja Fire & Rescue Station building in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia. It begins with an introduction to the history of Klang and the contextual site conditions surrounding the fire station. Next, it discusses the history of the fire station building itself, originally constructed in the 1890s. The document then analyzes the physical, social, and cultural contextual conditions of the fire station, examining elements like its Victorian architectural style, brick construction, acoustic and thermal properties of different spaces, levels of safety, and the preservation of its original design elements over time. In summary, the document conducts a comprehensive architectural analysis of the historic Kota Raja Fire & Rescue Station building through
Situation Remix - For A Performative Art PracticeDaneSutherland85
This document discusses plans to squat a building for a weekend to create a collective social space. It provides the date, time and location to meet on July 29th at the Puerta Hotel Arrate in Eibar, Spain. It states that during the weekend they will get to know each other, organize living and eating arrangements, and work together in a state of fragility. The goal is to expropriate from the expropriators in times of crisis through occupation and improvisation.
This document provides an introduction and analysis of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery building in Klang, Malaysia. It discusses the building's history, describing how it was originally constructed in 1909 as a British administration office and has since served various functions. The document outlines the building's design by architect A.B. Hubback and renovation led by architect Laurent Lim. It also analyzes the building's physical condition before and after renovation, and discusses the social, cultural, and political contexts of the building.
Sustainable Action Canmore was a community-wide social marketing program in Canmore, Alberta that aimed to encourage residents to adopt more environmentally sustainable behaviors. The program utilized in-person canvassing to ask residents to commit to one sustainable action, provided incentives like reusable bags and energy efficient light bulbs, and followed up by phone to encourage further actions. Over 6,100 homes were visited with a 51% response rate, resulting in 3,404 households committing to the program and high reported usage of the sustainable action items provided.
This document provides guidance on baseline documentation reports (BDRs) for conservation easements and fee simple properties. It discusses when BDRs should be completed, who should complete them, and their critical components. For conservation easements, BDRs should be completed before finalizing the agreement and must thoroughly document the property conditions to defend the easement. For fee simple properties, BDRs provide a basis for future management and can be completed within one year of securing the property. Both require documenting the property conditions, but conservation easement BDRs must address all easement terms while fee simple BDRs focus on natural features for management.
This document provides a training module on best practices for land trust stewardship. It covers topics such as baseline documentation reporting, monitoring, landowner relations, and funding stewardship in perpetuity. The module outlines guidelines from the Canadian Land Trust Alliance and Alberta Land Trust Alliance on proper procedures for conservation easements and fee simple land ownership. It emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation, consistent monitoring, and positive landowner communication to ensure conservation values are protected over the long term.
This document provides information on monitoring conservation properties. It discusses the importance of monitoring to determine changes or threats to conservation values. Monitoring conservation easements is especially important to ensure the objectives of the easement agreement are being met and demonstrate due diligence if the easement needs defending. While there is no legal requirement for monitoring frequency in Alberta, conservation easements should generally be monitored annually or at least every few years. More frequent monitoring may be needed when certain risks are present. Regular monitoring is critical for various reasons, including early detection of violations and demonstrating a land trust is meeting its obligations.
This document provides recommendations to Foothills Land Trust (FLT) on establishing policies and procedures for stewardship, enforcement, and legal defense costs related to conservation easements. It recommends that FLT: 1) maintain healthy landowner relations, clearly document easement details, and establish a violation policy to reduce risks; 2) use a stewardship calculator to determine annual monitoring and relationship building costs; and 3) consider a communal legal defense approach through resources like a learning center and insurance to help address potential violations or challenges. Implementing best practices for stewardship, documentation, and policies can help reduce risks over time.
This document provides recommendations for land trusts regarding stewardship, enforcement, and legal defense of conservation easements. It discusses best practices for developing policies and procedures to handle violations of conservation easements. Key points include maintaining positive relationships with landowners, clearly written easement documents, developing a violation resolution process, and having funds available for legal defense if needed. While litigation should be a last resort, land trusts must be prepared to enforce easements in court to uphold their purpose. External factors like increasing land values can also influence the risk of an easement being challenged.
This document provides an overview of carbon credits and the carbon markets ecosystem. It discusses that carbon markets can help enhance climate action by targeting lowest-cost emissions reductions. Carbon credits financially incentivize emission reduction activities and address mismatches in resources and timing needed to reach net-zero goals. The document outlines key elements of high-integrity carbon credits, including additionality, permanence, quantification, and sustainable development benefits. It also notes risks to companies from improper use of offsets and calls for understanding both potential and limitations of this tool to support increased integrity in voluntary carbon markets.
The clearing of native vegetation on rural land in NSW is not effectively regulated and managed. There are processes to approve land clearing but limited follow up to ensure compliance. The native vegetation regulatory map that guides landholders has not been fully released, making it difficult to identify regulated land. There are significant delays in identifying unlawful clearing, and few penalties imposed despite many reported instances. While land clearing has increased, conservation investment has also grown though regional funding allocations are not always consistent with identified priorities. Overall the processes in place to support the regulatory framework are weak.
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES-GUIDELINES FOR GRANTS-IN-AID TO NGOSGK Dutta
The Ministry proposes to utilize the services of reputed, non-profit, secular NGOs with proven track record in identified fields of activity relating to the water resources sector. NGOs working at the national, state and the district levels will be identified through a process of registration based on their track record. An illustrative list of the type of projects in which NGOs could be involved are given in Annexure-A.
Presentation by Florence Bernard and Slayde Hawkins.
PES may be prohibited by Constitution or law. This presentation discusses how policy may affect the implementation of PES and REDD projects.
The document discusses the regulatory context and process for in-lieu fee (ILF) programs as a form of compensatory wetland mitigation. It notes that the current wetland mitigation process often fails to offset lost wetland functions. An ILF program allows developers to purchase credits from a governmental or non-profit sponsor to satisfy mitigation requirements, transferring responsibility for mitigation success to the sponsor. The document provides details on Thurston County, Washington's ILF program, including watershed characterization, mitigation site selection criteria, program components, timelines, and current progress developing the required prospectus, instrument, and agreement.
Neighbourhood Plan content - December 2013Jonathan Green
The document provides guidance on developing neighborhood plans, including:
- Neighborhood plans should be flexible and tailored to local issues but must conform to national and local planning policies.
- Policies must be clear, precise, supported by evidence, and address unique local characteristics. Objectives and evidence used should be proportionate.
- Effective plans have a clear layout with photos and are easy to follow. Policies must be robust, deliverable, and function as planning policies.
- When writing policies, clearly state intent in plain English, use precise planning language, and provide justified evidence to support the intention.
The document discusses the concepts of tourism plans and policies, noting that plans must provide guidance and respond to impacts, while policies are statements of intent to guide decisions. It asks questions about understanding tourists, the environment, and socio-cultural changes to inform planning and policymaking. The document also outlines the structure, types, and examples of policies that can improve sustainability in tourism.
Department of Defense
COR HANDBOOK
March 22, 2012
Director, Defense Procurement
and Acquisition Policy
OUSD(AT&L)
1
Foreword
The Department of Defense (DoD) relies heavily on the private sector to carry out aspects
of the Department’s mission. Because of the critical reliance on contractor support and
the large expenditures involved, contract surveillance is vital to ensure contractors are
providing quality services and supplies in a timely manner; to mitigate contractor
performance problems; and to ensure the Federal Government (Government) receives
best value for the Warfighter.
Contract quality performance is the responsibility of both the contractor and the
Government. The contractor is responsible for carrying out its obligations under the
contract in terms of quality, timeliness and cost. The Government is responsible for
ensuring that services and supplies acquired conform to the quality and performance
requirements of the contract.
Contract quality surveillance is an essential activity. In most cases, contract quality
surveillance is the responsibility of the requiring organization — the organization most
familiar with the technical complexities and nuances of the requirement — with
assistance from the contracting office. The requiring organization prescribes contract
quality requirements that the contracting office includes in contracts. Members of the
requiring organization are designated specific authority by the Contracting Officer to
conduct contract surveillance as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in order to
verify that the contractor is fulfilling contract requirements and to document performance
for the contract record. These CORs function as the eyes and ears of the Contracting
Officer and are a liaison between the Government and contractor when executing
surveillance responsibilities.
DoD1 policy requires that the requiring activity/COR management participate in
nominating CORs and assess their performance of COR responsibilities. COR
management affirms that the COR will be afforded necessary resources (time, equipment,
opportunity) to perform designated COR responsibilities.
This COR handbook addresses key aspects of contract quality surveillance and the roles
and responsibilities of the Contracting Officer, the COR and the requiring activity/COR
management. It is a comprehensive resource for the Contracting Officer, COR
1
Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, “Monitoring Contract Performance in Contracts for Services,” 22
August 2008, http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/policy/policyvault/2008‐0468‐DPAP.pdf.
3
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Importance of Contract Surveillance
Related Duties
Chapter 1. Key Points
Chapter 2: Roles and Responsibilities for Contract Surveillance
Nomination, Designation, and Appointment of the COR
P ...
Indicators are data or combinations of data used to measure and communicate complex phenomena for policy purposes. They simplify complex issues and provide early warnings. Developing good indicators requires defining policy goals, identifying available data sources, selecting appropriate indicators, and testing them. Biodiversity, socioeconomic, and governance indicators are needed at local and regional scales. Key steps in developing indicators include defining goals, identifying data sources, selecting indicators, and ensuring communication and agreement across countries and scales. Sources of uncertainty can arise from assumptions, models, linking evaluation to action, implementation, and mismatches across temporal and spatial scales.
The document discusses the importance of professional inventories in the rental property industry. It notes that inventories are important for dispute resolution when tenant deposits are returned. Professional inventory providers can improve consistency, quality and impartiality compared to the currently unregulated system. The Licensed Inventory Provider Scheme (LIPS) introduces standards for inventory providers, requiring training, exams, and regular audits to ensure high quality inventory reports. LIPS members provide a standardized Inventory Condition Report format with photographs to document property condition.
This document discusses fiduciary duty and climate change risks for institutional investors. It makes the following key points:
1) Institutional investors face physical, liability, and transition risks from climate change that could impact their portfolios. They need to understand and address these opportunities and risks.
2) Fiduciary duty requires putting clients' interests first, but investors currently lack information and tools to properly assess climate change risks. Disclosure and fiduciary duty must be better linked to address long-term sustainability factors.
3) Various principles and frameworks call for considering environmental and social impacts, but clarification is still needed on how fiduciaries can integrate these non-financial factors given legal interpretations of their duties. More work
JBA Consulting Guide to Environmental AssessmentJBAConsulting
This guide covers environmental assessment and regulation in the UK. Various pieces of legislation exist to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. Environmental assessments are required for certain types of developments and involve gathering information to understand potential environmental impacts and identify mitigation measures. Assessments also consider landscape and visual impacts, heritage sites and protected species. The guide provides an overview of the assessment process and regulatory requirements.
BALDVIN BJÖRN HARALDSSON, BBA LEGAL
IGC 2018 - Breaking the Barriers
The 4th Iceland Geothermal Conference will be hosted in Iceland in April 2018. The conference offers an in-depth discussion of the barriers that hinder development of the geothermal sector and how to overcome them. It also focuses on the business environment through three separate themes: vision, development, and operations. Having established itself as an important regular conference of the international community, IGC 2018 brought together more than 600 participants from 40 countries from around the world.
The 4th Iceland Geothermal Conference will be hosted in Iceland in April 2018. The conference offers an in-depth discussion of the barriers that hinder development of the geothermal sector and how to overcome them.
Archives accreditation standard discussion draft jan 2012Janice Tullock
This document provides a draft of an archives accreditation scheme for the UK. It outlines requirements for archive services to receive accreditation, including having a clear statement of purpose, an acceptable governing constitution, and appropriate management arrangements. The management arrangements should include a satisfactory management structure from the governing body to users, effective relationships within management to allow professional influence over decision making, and delegated powers from the governing body to the senior archive position to manage operations and approve policies. The document is intended for discussion and feedback during the development of the final accreditation standard.
Investment Contracts for Agriculture: Practical GuidelinesFrancois Stepman
This document summarizes guidance from two reports on responsible agricultural investment contracts. It discusses how contracts can maximize benefits and minimize risks of large-scale agricultural projects. Key benefits identified include employment, integration of local farmers, market expansion, and community programs. Risks include land loss, lack of community engagement, weak viability assessments, and poor environmental/social impact management. The document provides examples of contractual provisions to help prepare for negotiations, draft agreements, and monitor compliance in order to promote sustainable and beneficial agricultural investment outcomes.
The baseline documentation report provides a snapshot of the biophysical condition of a conserved property and represents an agreement between the land trust and landowner. It documents the conservation value and current conditions to inform monitoring, enforcement, and legal defense. The report includes sections on property background, conservation purpose, anthropogenic features and land uses, and natural features to establish the baseline conditions. Maintaining strong landowner relations is a priority, so landowners should participate in the baseline process.
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Similar to Baseline documentation foothills land trust 5 of 5
This document provides guidance on baseline documentation reports (BDRs) for conservation easements and fee simple properties. It discusses when BDRs should be completed, who should complete them, and their critical components. For conservation easements, BDRs should be completed before finalizing the agreement and must thoroughly document the property conditions to defend the easement. For fee simple properties, BDRs provide a basis for future management and can be completed within one year of securing the property. Both require documenting the property conditions, but conservation easement BDRs must address all easement terms while fee simple BDRs focus on natural features for management.
This document provides a training module on best practices for land trust stewardship. It covers topics such as baseline documentation reporting, monitoring, landowner relations, and funding stewardship in perpetuity. The module outlines guidelines from the Canadian Land Trust Alliance and Alberta Land Trust Alliance on proper procedures for conservation easements and fee simple land ownership. It emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation, consistent monitoring, and positive landowner communication to ensure conservation values are protected over the long term.
This document provides information on monitoring conservation properties. It discusses the importance of monitoring to determine changes or threats to conservation values. Monitoring conservation easements is especially important to ensure the objectives of the easement agreement are being met and demonstrate due diligence if the easement needs defending. While there is no legal requirement for monitoring frequency in Alberta, conservation easements should generally be monitored annually or at least every few years. More frequent monitoring may be needed when certain risks are present. Regular monitoring is critical for various reasons, including early detection of violations and demonstrating a land trust is meeting its obligations.
This document provides recommendations to Foothills Land Trust (FLT) on establishing policies and procedures for stewardship, enforcement, and legal defense costs related to conservation easements. It recommends that FLT: 1) maintain healthy landowner relations, clearly document easement details, and establish a violation policy to reduce risks; 2) use a stewardship calculator to determine annual monitoring and relationship building costs; and 3) consider a communal legal defense approach through resources like a learning center and insurance to help address potential violations or challenges. Implementing best practices for stewardship, documentation, and policies can help reduce risks over time.
This document provides recommendations for land trusts regarding stewardship, enforcement, and legal defense of conservation easements. It discusses best practices for developing policies and procedures to handle violations of conservation easements. Key points include maintaining positive relationships with landowners, clearly written easement documents, developing a violation resolution process, and having funds available for legal defense if needed. While litigation should be a last resort, land trusts must be prepared to enforce easements in court to uphold their purpose. External factors like increasing land values can also influence the risk of an easement being challenged.
This document provides an overview of carbon credits and the carbon markets ecosystem. It discusses that carbon markets can help enhance climate action by targeting lowest-cost emissions reductions. Carbon credits financially incentivize emission reduction activities and address mismatches in resources and timing needed to reach net-zero goals. The document outlines key elements of high-integrity carbon credits, including additionality, permanence, quantification, and sustainable development benefits. It also notes risks to companies from improper use of offsets and calls for understanding both potential and limitations of this tool to support increased integrity in voluntary carbon markets.
The clearing of native vegetation on rural land in NSW is not effectively regulated and managed. There are processes to approve land clearing but limited follow up to ensure compliance. The native vegetation regulatory map that guides landholders has not been fully released, making it difficult to identify regulated land. There are significant delays in identifying unlawful clearing, and few penalties imposed despite many reported instances. While land clearing has increased, conservation investment has also grown though regional funding allocations are not always consistent with identified priorities. Overall the processes in place to support the regulatory framework are weak.
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES-GUIDELINES FOR GRANTS-IN-AID TO NGOSGK Dutta
The Ministry proposes to utilize the services of reputed, non-profit, secular NGOs with proven track record in identified fields of activity relating to the water resources sector. NGOs working at the national, state and the district levels will be identified through a process of registration based on their track record. An illustrative list of the type of projects in which NGOs could be involved are given in Annexure-A.
Presentation by Florence Bernard and Slayde Hawkins.
PES may be prohibited by Constitution or law. This presentation discusses how policy may affect the implementation of PES and REDD projects.
The document discusses the regulatory context and process for in-lieu fee (ILF) programs as a form of compensatory wetland mitigation. It notes that the current wetland mitigation process often fails to offset lost wetland functions. An ILF program allows developers to purchase credits from a governmental or non-profit sponsor to satisfy mitigation requirements, transferring responsibility for mitigation success to the sponsor. The document provides details on Thurston County, Washington's ILF program, including watershed characterization, mitigation site selection criteria, program components, timelines, and current progress developing the required prospectus, instrument, and agreement.
Neighbourhood Plan content - December 2013Jonathan Green
The document provides guidance on developing neighborhood plans, including:
- Neighborhood plans should be flexible and tailored to local issues but must conform to national and local planning policies.
- Policies must be clear, precise, supported by evidence, and address unique local characteristics. Objectives and evidence used should be proportionate.
- Effective plans have a clear layout with photos and are easy to follow. Policies must be robust, deliverable, and function as planning policies.
- When writing policies, clearly state intent in plain English, use precise planning language, and provide justified evidence to support the intention.
The document discusses the concepts of tourism plans and policies, noting that plans must provide guidance and respond to impacts, while policies are statements of intent to guide decisions. It asks questions about understanding tourists, the environment, and socio-cultural changes to inform planning and policymaking. The document also outlines the structure, types, and examples of policies that can improve sustainability in tourism.
Department of Defense
COR HANDBOOK
March 22, 2012
Director, Defense Procurement
and Acquisition Policy
OUSD(AT&L)
1
Foreword
The Department of Defense (DoD) relies heavily on the private sector to carry out aspects
of the Department’s mission. Because of the critical reliance on contractor support and
the large expenditures involved, contract surveillance is vital to ensure contractors are
providing quality services and supplies in a timely manner; to mitigate contractor
performance problems; and to ensure the Federal Government (Government) receives
best value for the Warfighter.
Contract quality performance is the responsibility of both the contractor and the
Government. The contractor is responsible for carrying out its obligations under the
contract in terms of quality, timeliness and cost. The Government is responsible for
ensuring that services and supplies acquired conform to the quality and performance
requirements of the contract.
Contract quality surveillance is an essential activity. In most cases, contract quality
surveillance is the responsibility of the requiring organization — the organization most
familiar with the technical complexities and nuances of the requirement — with
assistance from the contracting office. The requiring organization prescribes contract
quality requirements that the contracting office includes in contracts. Members of the
requiring organization are designated specific authority by the Contracting Officer to
conduct contract surveillance as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in order to
verify that the contractor is fulfilling contract requirements and to document performance
for the contract record. These CORs function as the eyes and ears of the Contracting
Officer and are a liaison between the Government and contractor when executing
surveillance responsibilities.
DoD1 policy requires that the requiring activity/COR management participate in
nominating CORs and assess their performance of COR responsibilities. COR
management affirms that the COR will be afforded necessary resources (time, equipment,
opportunity) to perform designated COR responsibilities.
This COR handbook addresses key aspects of contract quality surveillance and the roles
and responsibilities of the Contracting Officer, the COR and the requiring activity/COR
management. It is a comprehensive resource for the Contracting Officer, COR
1
Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, “Monitoring Contract Performance in Contracts for Services,” 22
August 2008, http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/policy/policyvault/2008‐0468‐DPAP.pdf.
3
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Importance of Contract Surveillance
Related Duties
Chapter 1. Key Points
Chapter 2: Roles and Responsibilities for Contract Surveillance
Nomination, Designation, and Appointment of the COR
P ...
Indicators are data or combinations of data used to measure and communicate complex phenomena for policy purposes. They simplify complex issues and provide early warnings. Developing good indicators requires defining policy goals, identifying available data sources, selecting appropriate indicators, and testing them. Biodiversity, socioeconomic, and governance indicators are needed at local and regional scales. Key steps in developing indicators include defining goals, identifying data sources, selecting indicators, and ensuring communication and agreement across countries and scales. Sources of uncertainty can arise from assumptions, models, linking evaluation to action, implementation, and mismatches across temporal and spatial scales.
The document discusses the importance of professional inventories in the rental property industry. It notes that inventories are important for dispute resolution when tenant deposits are returned. Professional inventory providers can improve consistency, quality and impartiality compared to the currently unregulated system. The Licensed Inventory Provider Scheme (LIPS) introduces standards for inventory providers, requiring training, exams, and regular audits to ensure high quality inventory reports. LIPS members provide a standardized Inventory Condition Report format with photographs to document property condition.
This document discusses fiduciary duty and climate change risks for institutional investors. It makes the following key points:
1) Institutional investors face physical, liability, and transition risks from climate change that could impact their portfolios. They need to understand and address these opportunities and risks.
2) Fiduciary duty requires putting clients' interests first, but investors currently lack information and tools to properly assess climate change risks. Disclosure and fiduciary duty must be better linked to address long-term sustainability factors.
3) Various principles and frameworks call for considering environmental and social impacts, but clarification is still needed on how fiduciaries can integrate these non-financial factors given legal interpretations of their duties. More work
JBA Consulting Guide to Environmental AssessmentJBAConsulting
This guide covers environmental assessment and regulation in the UK. Various pieces of legislation exist to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. Environmental assessments are required for certain types of developments and involve gathering information to understand potential environmental impacts and identify mitigation measures. Assessments also consider landscape and visual impacts, heritage sites and protected species. The guide provides an overview of the assessment process and regulatory requirements.
BALDVIN BJÖRN HARALDSSON, BBA LEGAL
IGC 2018 - Breaking the Barriers
The 4th Iceland Geothermal Conference will be hosted in Iceland in April 2018. The conference offers an in-depth discussion of the barriers that hinder development of the geothermal sector and how to overcome them. It also focuses on the business environment through three separate themes: vision, development, and operations. Having established itself as an important regular conference of the international community, IGC 2018 brought together more than 600 participants from 40 countries from around the world.
The 4th Iceland Geothermal Conference will be hosted in Iceland in April 2018. The conference offers an in-depth discussion of the barriers that hinder development of the geothermal sector and how to overcome them.
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This document provides a draft of an archives accreditation scheme for the UK. It outlines requirements for archive services to receive accreditation, including having a clear statement of purpose, an acceptable governing constitution, and appropriate management arrangements. The management arrangements should include a satisfactory management structure from the governing body to users, effective relationships within management to allow professional influence over decision making, and delegated powers from the governing body to the senior archive position to manage operations and approve policies. The document is intended for discussion and feedback during the development of the final accreditation standard.
Investment Contracts for Agriculture: Practical GuidelinesFrancois Stepman
This document summarizes guidance from two reports on responsible agricultural investment contracts. It discusses how contracts can maximize benefits and minimize risks of large-scale agricultural projects. Key benefits identified include employment, integration of local farmers, market expansion, and community programs. Risks include land loss, lack of community engagement, weak viability assessments, and poor environmental/social impact management. The document provides examples of contractual provisions to help prepare for negotiations, draft agreements, and monitor compliance in order to promote sustainable and beneficial agricultural investment outcomes.
Similar to Baseline documentation foothills land trust 5 of 5 (20)
The baseline documentation report provides a snapshot of the biophysical condition of a conserved property and represents an agreement between the land trust and landowner. It documents the conservation value and current conditions to inform monitoring, enforcement, and legal defense. The report includes sections on property background, conservation purpose, anthropogenic features and land uses, and natural features to establish the baseline conditions. Maintaining strong landowner relations is a priority, so landowners should participate in the baseline process.
This document provides an overview of dedicated stewardship funding for land trusts. It discusses the importance of long-term stewardship for land conservation goals and credibility. Land trusts need to understand future financial obligations for monitoring conservation easements and managing land in order to fulfill promises to protect land in perpetuity. Options for funding stewardship include establishing a dedicated fund or paying costs from annual operating budgets. The document also defines key terms and recommends separate funds for routine stewardship and legal defense to prepare for unpredictable legal expenses.
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Baseline documentation foothills land trust 5 of 5
1. Baseline Documentation Report and Monitoring
Templates: Recommendations for FLT
June 2010
Prepared by Tracy Lee and Kim Good
Prepared for:
2. Baseline Documentation Report and Monitoring Templates:
Recommendations to FLT
June 2010
Prepared by Tracy Lee and Kim Good
Miistakis Institute
c/o EVDS – University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB
T2N 1N4
Phone: (403) 220-8968
Email: institute@rockies.ca
Web: www.rockies.ca
3. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Baseline Documentation Report (BDR) ...................................................................................................................... 1
Who should prepare the BDR?................................................................................................................................ 2
Components of a BDR ............................................................................................................................................... 2
Monitoring Reports ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
Frequency of Monitoring .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Who should prepare monitoring reports? ............................................................................................................. 3
Components of a monitoring report........................................................................................................................ 3
Development of a Volunteer Monitoring Program............................................................................................... 3
Recommendations.......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Appendix 1: FLT Baseline Documentation Report template............................................................................... 5
Appendix 2: FLT Monitoring Template ................................................................................................................. 11
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations i
4. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to recommend procedures and templates for FLT Baseline Documentation
Reports and Monitoring Reports. The Baseline Documentation Report and Monitoring Report are
important components of a land trust’s stewardship, enforcement and legal defense platform.
A Baseline Documentation Report (BDR) is a record of the current condition of the property as agreed to
by the land trust and landowner at the signing of the conservation easement (CE). It therefore represents
a legal document that must hold up in court. In addition, it is used as the basis for monitoring the property
and for developing management plans to help uphold the conservation value of the easement.
Developing standard operating procedures around the BDR is beneficial for land trust-landowner
relations, as well as reducing the risk of violations and enforcement on the conservation property.
Monitoring reports enable the land trust to document changes and/or threats to the conservation value
of the property overtime. Monitoring frequently is important for building and maintaining landowner
relations, detecting and addressing early violations and establishing a record of due diligence for the
land trust should the CE be challenged in court. Establishing procedures and templates for monitoring is
an important component of a land trust’s legal defense.
A number of manuals/modules dedicated to baseline documentation reporting and monitoring were
reviewed to develop a set of recommendations for FLT. Some of the documents included:
1. Doscher, P., B. Lind, E. Sturgis and C. West. 2007. Determining Stewardship Costs and Raising and
managing Dedicated Funds. The Land Trust Alliance.
2. Heidenreich, B. Draft 2009. A Stewardship, Monitoring and Costing Guide for Natural Heritage
Conservation Agreements. Ontario Heritage Trust and Ontario Land Trust Alliance.
3. Michalsky, S. 2010. Baseline Documentation Report Training Module. Alberta Land Trust Alliance.
4. Michalsky, S. 2010. Stewardship Monitoring Training Module. Alberta Land Trust Alliance.
DOCUMENTATION
BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORT (BDR)
The baseline documentation report (BDR) provides a snap shot of the biophysical condition of a property
subject to a conservation easement and represents an agreement between the land trust and landowner.
It serves as a basis for monitoring compliance and to inform the enforcement process and/or defense of
the CE in court. The BDR states the purpose of the conservation easement and documents the
conservation value of the property, current land uses, biophysical conditions and potential threats at the
time of securement.
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 1
5. Who should prepare the BDR?
A BDR is a legal document and it is therefore advisable that a qualified professional (or individual with
years of experience) prepare the BDR. It is advisable that FLT keep on file resumes of individuals involved
in preparation of BDR.
In addition, it is advisable to include the landowner in the BDR process to help inform components of the
BDR and to help establish a positive relationship with the landowner.
Components of a BDR
There are specific components that a land trust should include in a BDR. These are listed below;
• Location and legal description of property
• Clear description of the purpose of the CE or intent of the conservation easement from the
landowner and land trusts perspective.
• Existing anthropogenic features on the landscape
• Land use activities
• Hydrological features, vegetation communities, soils and wildlife occurring/using the properties
as well as possible threats to these features.
• Monitoring recommendations
• Signature page
An annotated FLT BDR template is attached in Appendix 1.
MONITORING REPORTS
The purpose of the monitoring report is to determine compliance of clauses in the Conservation
Easement (CE) and to ensure that the intent and objectives of the CE are being upheld. The monitoring
report enables the land trust to track the condition of the property over time through comparison with the
baseline documentation report (BDR). It also provides an opportunity for FLT and the landowner to build
on their positive relationship and to review the CE during the monitoring exercise.
Frequency of Monitoring
The frequency of monitoring varies between land trusts, but ideally, each property will be visited
annually. If costs are a concern to the land trust, every second year may be acceptable as long as long
as there is contact with the land owner in between monitoring years. If monitoring is not handled on an
annual basis, undertaking a landowner risk assessment may help a land trust prioritize properties for
more frequent monitoring. FLT will develop guidelines as to how often they will monitor a property.
A land trust usually monitors during the growing season. However there may be cases where monitoring
should occur during different seasons depending on restrictions in the CE or threats the land trust is
concerned with.
FLT will develop guidelines on the timing and frequency of monitoring of properties.
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 2
6. Who should prepare monitoring reports?
Ideally a monitoring report is carried out by a qualified professional capable of building a trusting
relationship with the landowner. However, small land trusts often depend on volunteer monitors.
Therefore, guidelines are required regarding:
o A volunteer based monitoring program (see below).
o Maintaining a list of volunteers with experience at monitoring.
o Pairing less experienced volunteers with more experienced volunteers.
o Implementing a policy and / or guidelines on the role of the volunteer to clearly define:
• Expectations on communicating with landowners (e.g. do not offer management
advice instead bring questions back to the land trust).
• Procedure in the case of a potential violation (e.g. who communicates with landowner
and how).
• Reporting and follow-up procedures.
Components of a monitoring report
Specific components that a land trust should include in a monitoring report include:
• Date of inspection
• Review of BDR, management plans and past monitoring reports
• Address each restriction listed in the CE and monitor for compliance
• Recognize and detail violations
• Communicate / build positive relationships with the landowner.
• Document changes (natural or man-made) to the condition of the property that impact the CE
An annotated FLT Monitoring template is attached in Appendix 2.
Development of a Volunteer Monitoring Program
FLT is a small land trust that currently utilizes volunteers to complete baseline and monitoring reports. As
the number of conservation easement properties held by FLT increases, there may be a need to increase
the number of dedicated individuals available to monitor properties. FLT should consider developing a
volunteer based monitoring program, where the access to qualified dedicated professionals able to
assist in monitoring conservation easement properties in increased.
The components of the volunteer based monitoring program include:
o Clearly define the goals of a volunteer monitoring program (e.g. education, community support,
cost effective)
o Engage volunteers (e.g. describe how volunteers will be informed of the program and engaged)
o Coordinate volunteers
o Volunteer insurance (e.g. how are they covered?)
o Train volunteers (e.g. workshops, apprentice program, training manuals, workshops)
• Expectations and responsibilities of volunteer
• Safety concerns
• Template review
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 3
7. Equipment
Protocols
• Field visit instructions
• Communications with landowner
• Address violations (their role and responsibility)
• Reporting and follow-up
o Retain volunteers (e.g. incentive, reward, recognition program)
o Evaluate program (e.g. frequency or review, methodology)
o tie into the programs goals to measure success
o define success
o Pilot program – initiate a small scale program (e.g. start with small group of volunteers that have
been targeted by the FLT board as good volunteer candidates) to enable FLT to adapt and
strengthen the program based on results of pilot program.
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Review, edit and accept as a standard operating procedure the new FLT BDR template.
• Review, edit and accept as a standard operating procedure the new FLT monitoring template.
• Develop guidelines around:
o the frequency and timing of monitoring;
o qualifications of individuals undertaking FLT BDR or monitoring reports; and
o response to violations.
• Ensure FLT has resume on file of BDR and monitoring volunteers.
• Develop an FLT volunteer monitoring program to help build up a pool of volunteers to assist in
monitoring.
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 4
8. Appendix 1: FLT Baseline Documentation Report template
Foothills Land Trust
CE Baseline Annotated Template
The baseline documentation report (BDR) provides a snap shot of the biophysical condition of a property subject to
a conservation easement and represents an agreement between the Land Trust and landowner. It serves as a
basis for monitoring compliance and to inform the enforcement process and/or defense of the CE in court. The
BDR states the purpose of the conservation easement and documents the conservation value of the property,
current land uses, biophysical conditions and potential threats at the time of securement.
1.0 BACKGROUND
The background section of the BDR provides general information on the property, landowner and individual
preparing the baseline, as well as a legal description of property and reference to the CE.
The majority of landowners are knowledgeable about their land and buildings. Maintaining strong land owner
relations is a priority stewardship goal for any land trust. Thus it is advisable to involve the landowner in the BDR.
This can be done by having the landowner participate in the field visit and/or through an interview process (See
suggested questions in Appendix 2).
1.1. Property Name
• Name of CE property (used to refer to easement by FLT)
1.2. Property Contact
• Owner name
• Contact Person (if different from above)
• Contact information including phone number, fax number, email and mailing address
1.3. Baseline Prepared by
The BDR is a component of legal defense. FLT should keep on file the resume of the volunteer or contractor
who prepared the BDR. The BDR should include a brief statement of the qualifications of the
volunteer/contractor who prepared the BDR such as relevant training, professional designation, and years of
experience.
• Name of individual completing baseline
• Date(s) of field visit
• Contact information including phone number, email and mailing address
• Statement of qualifications/expertise
1.4. Legal Description
Refer to land titles for legal description, but also provide details for areas (zones) that are exempt from CE
clauses and/or where permissions need to be granted from the land trust.
• Legal Description (ATS) (LLD or LSD.
• Area of CE (acres, hectares)
• Area (acres, hectares, m3) of take-out parcels
• Area descriptions (location using local landmarks, GPS waypoints (nad83).
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 5
9. • Relevant title encumbrances (refer to land title)
Appendix 1 Copy of the Land title(s) after CE is registered
Appendix 2: Potential questions to ask landowner/land manager to inform baseline report
1.5. Conservation Easement Reference Statement
Refer back to the CE (may include the date CE was signed) and provide a brief history of donation of CE,
indicate if CE is donation, split receipt, paid and/or an Ecological Gift under Environment Canada’s Ecological
Gift Program.
• Provide a reference to the conservation easement agreement,
• Date it was signed,
• Description of donation/acquisition of property.
1.6 Partnership Approach
• Describe the link between the FLT mission statement and the land owner’s interest in placing
a CE on the property.
• Attach the Letter of Intent from the landowner
2.0 PURPOSE OF CE
The purpose of the CE states the intent of the conservation easement and the common purpose of the CE from the
landowner and land trust perspectives. In this section, regional and local conservation values that the CE protects
are highlighted. There is debate around focusing the purpose on regional or local conservation values, because of
instances whereby documentation is considered either too vague or too specific in describing the purpose. Clarity
is important when describing the conservation value and a land trust needs to consider landscapes as dynamic
entities and that a CE is for perpetuity. For example, describing the purpose of a CE in protecting habitat for an
endangered species could be problematic in court if the species becomes extirpated from the region. In addition,
the language linking the CE and BDR must be consistent.
The reader of the BDR should understand the reason the landowners and land trust have entered into a CE. For
example, is there a common purpose or shared conservation values? Attaching a letter of intent from the
landowner and referring to the FLT mission statement, if appropriate, will help readers to understand the intent of
the CE.
Context
2.1 Regional Context
A regional context will be provided by highlighting the general conservation values (e.g. species at risk,
ecological systems/landscapes of interest, Ecologically Significant Areas) of the property in relation to the
MD of Foothills and lands adjacent and/or nearby the CE (e.g. other government or privately protected
lands).
2.2 Local Context
Context
Highlight specific natural features of the landscape, including any specific sensitive ecosystem types or
features found on the property.
Insert Map 1 – Surrounding context - include roads, rivers and streams, protected areas, other parcels of
interest (as detailed in regional context)
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 6
10. 3.0 Anthropogenic Features and Land Use Activities
A BDR documents the current condition of the land at the time of signing. To monitor for compliance, all
anthropogenic features occurring on the CE property will be documented. This section will be tied into the CE
restrictions and will include a list of features to be grandfathered into the CE. If a planned feature does not yet
exist on the property, it should be stated as such in the BDR. All features will be mapped and photographed to
provide clarity to the baseline and the purpose of the structures will be explained.
Existing
3.1 Existing Anthropogenic features (Grandfathered into CE)
• Provide a written description (include purpose of feature), map (UTM (using GPS unit) and
photograph (include UTM (using GPS unit) of photo, direction of photo (using compass
directions) and photo description) all existing human made features on the landscape.
• Some features to consider based on FLT restrictions;
o All building structures and associated infrastructure
o Fences (record height and number of wire strands)
o Roads and Trails
o Soil disturbance (cleared areas)
o Mining (sand, rock, gravel piles)
o Existing oil and gas infrastructure
o Garbage, waste or debris sites
o Water systems (irrigation, troughs, wells, dugouts)
o Wildlife traps
o Areas where chemicals ( pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides) have been applied
o May need to consider other features as well depending on specifics of the CE
and the property
Map 2 – Anthropogenic Features- location within CE of features described above
3.2 Land Use Activity
To enable the land trust to assess the level of risk on a property, the BDR will describe the historic and current
land uses on the property and on neighboring parcels. For example, are there any areas on or near the
property that may be zoned for conflicting activities that might put the conservation values of the property at
risk? Does the landowner have existing management plans in place to guide land management (e.g. forestry,
grazing)? All current management plans being used by the landowner will be documented. The BDR can
inform and guide the development of any future management plans for the property.
• Describe historical (if relevant) and current land use activities for the CE and specified areas if
applicable.
• Current zoning.
• Refer to existing management plans.
• Highlight land use activities on surrounding parcels.
Appendix 3 Existing Management Plans for Property
Appendix 4: Photo table of locations, map and photos
4.0 Natural Features
All water features should be identified by type (river, stream, pond, lake, and wetland), mapped and photographed.
Note if the water features are ephemeral or year round, direction of flow, and activities up stream that may impact
health.
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 7
11. CE clauses that refer to the health or condition of water features may be difficult to measure. The land trust needs
to develop protocols for how it will determine if this clause is in compliance.
4.1 Hydrological Features
• Provide a written description, map (UTM (using GPS unit) and photograph (UTM (using GPS
unit), direction of photo (using compass) and photo description) all existing water features on
the CE.
• Water features may include:
o Rivers, streams
o Water bodies (lakes, ponds, wetlands)
o Springs
4.2 Water Quality
• Note activities occurring on the CE that may impact water health?
o Wildlife / stock watering
o Trails / roads through water systems
o proximity to an agricultural field
o Recreational use
o Chemical usage
o Wildlife presence / absence
• Water sampling approaches
o Water samples will be taken where a stream enters and exits the property to
generate a baseline of water quality. Future monitoring of the effect of activities
will refer to the baseline.
Map 4 – Water Features- location within CE of features described above
4.2 Vegetation
Vegetation communities should be documented on map, with photos and described in the BDR. In addition,
threats to the native vegetation should be documented (e.g. invasive species).
• Provide a written description (include dominant species, rare and unusual flora, human –
made habitat), map (UTM (using GPS unit) and photograph (UTM (using GPS unit), direction of
photo (using compass) and photo description) all vegetation communities including natural
and human-made on the CE.
• Common types of vegetation communities include native grassland, wetland, riparian,
croplands, tame forage, aspen and spruce forest. (May be able to use remote sensing or
Alberta Vegetation Index or Alberta Plant Community Guides as a starting point).
• Document threats to native vegetation communities.
• Describe and list invasive species occurring on the CE (document larger patches on map,
using UTM (GPS Unit).
Map 5 – Vegetation Communities - location within CE of features described above
4.3 Surficial Bedrock Geology and Soils
• Identify surface and underlying geology
• Use AGRSID to determine soil series
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 8
12. Map 6 – Soil Series
Wildlife
4.3 Wildlife
In this section of the BDR describe important wildlife habitat (e.g. ungulate winter range, grizzly bear movement
corridor), species of interest or any other ecological values. Include in this section rare, endangered species
(including rank) that may occur on the property. This section may reply heavily on landowner knowledge, local
expert knowledge (local fish and wildlife officers, biologists) or research reports.
• List specific habitat occurring on the property for terrestrial or aquatic species and/or
species groups of interest
• List any important migrating species that use the property as permanent or seasonal
habitat or for movement opportunities for specific groups and or species?
• Reference other research/reports that document the importance of this area for
species groups and/or species.
• List any rare or endangered species occurring on the property. Specify rank and if
recovery plan is in place.
Appendix 3: Photo table of locations, map and photos
5.0 Monitoring Recommendations
A BDR should include a series of recommendations about how to monitor the property and to help inform the
management plans developed by FLT.
• List any recommendations for future monitoring (e.g. invasive species of concern,
addressing threats outlined in the BDR).
• Time of year for monitoring to occur.
• How often monitoring should occur
• Frequency of using certain types of field methodologies if appropriate to CE clauses or
existing management plan (e.g. range health, riparian health)
Condition
6.0 Owner Acknowledgement of Condition
• Include a section for signatures, where FLT and landowners agree to the BDR as
accurately representing the current condition of the property.
• Date of completion.
Appendix 1: Land Title
Appendix 2: Landowner Interview –suggested questions to inform BDR
a. Length of time as owner of property
b. Existing land uses of property (also historical if different) e.g. agriculture, ranching,
recreation and forestry)
c. Current management regime (Are there any management plans?).
d. Are there areas/topics you feel you would like to know more about?
e. Discuss anthropogenic features on the landscape and purpose of features.
f. Discuss water features on the landscape – location of features
g. Do you have invasive species on the property (list species if possible) and discuss
location of patches. As well as history (eg. pathways of invasion)
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 9
13. h. Are you aware of any water quality assessments on this property? Are you interested in
learning more about water health issues?
i. Are there areas where chemical pesticides or fertilizers have been used on the property?
If yes, please explain why?
j. Please list species you have seen on the property and frequency of sightings?
k. Are there things you are concerned about from a stewardship perspective that FLT might
be able to assist you with?
Appendix 3: Photo Location table, map and photos (with description)
Photo # UTM East UTM West Date
Map 7 – Photograph locations
Disclaimer
This Baseline Documentation Report Template was created for the Foothills Land Trust and may or may
not be appropriate for all land trust organizations. It is available for any land trust to use and to adapt for
its own purposes. Foothills Land Trust is not responsible for any results achieved or decisions made
through the use of the Baseline Documentation Report Template.
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 10
14. Appendix 2: FLT Monitoring Template
Foothills Land Trust
Conservation Easement Monitoring Annotated Template
The purpose of the monitoring report is to determine compliance of clauses in the Conservation Easement (CE) and
to ensure that the intent and objectives of the CE are being upheld. The monitoring report enables the land trust to
track condition of the property over time through comparison with the baseline documentation report (BDR). It also
provides an opportunity for FLT and the landowner to build on their positive relationship and to review the CE
during the monitoring exercise.
The frequency of monitoring varies between land trusts, but ideally each property will be visited annually. If costs
are a concern to a land trust, every second year may be acceptable as long as the land trust has contact with the
land owner in between monitoring years. If monitoring is not handled on an annual basis, undertaking a
landowner risk assessment may help a land trust prioritize properties for more intensive monitoring.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The introduction section of the monitoring report provides general information on the property, landowner and
individual preparing the monitoring report.
1.6. Property Name
• Name of CE property (refer to easement )
• Date CE was signed
1.7. Property Contact
• Owner name
• Contact Person (if different from above)
• Contact info: phone number, email and mailing contact
1.8. Monitoring Conducted by:
• Name of individual completing baseline
• Dates of site visits
• Contact info: phone number, email and mailing contact
• Sign declaration from the monitor that the information collected is confidential.
***I understand that the knowledge I gain and the information I collect is confidential and belongs to the Foothills
Land Trust and should only be discussed with members of the Foothills Land Trust Board.
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 11
15. 2.0 Past Issues and Concerns
There is a certain amount of preparatory work involved before the site visit. The monitor will review the BDR,
management report/plans and past monitoring reports (including all associated photos and maps) to become
familiar with the property and past concerns or issues documented on previous site visits.
2.1 List past identified concerns/ areas where attention is suggested
• Review baseline report and past monitoring reports to identify issues/concerns
• List the issues/concerns and comment on current situation (Has the issue being
addressed? How has it been addressed).
• If there are no past concerns state in monitoring report.
Visit
3.0 Site Visit
The site visit is an opportunity for the land trust to build on or maintain its relationship with the landowner, either
by inviting them to join the site visit and/or by undertaking a landowner interview. The monitor will review each
permission and restriction (table form in the CE; see below) and document the method used to assess the
permission/restriction and what has changed since the BDR was completed. For example, if the land owner is
permitted to post signage, the measure would be presence/absence; if the landowner has recently placed a sign,
indicate “yes” there are changes from the BDR; describe and take a photo to highlight the change. If a restriction
occurs that is in violation of the CE, a detailed description will be provided below the table.
All changes, natural and man-made will be documented even if they do not impact the intent of the CE.
3.1 Landowner Relations
• Was the landowner present during the site visit (Yes/No)
• Interview the landowner (suggested questionnaire Appendix A)
• Identify how long the current owner has owned/lived on the property?
3.2 Monitoring Restrictions Table
• Adjust monitoring restrictions table (Table 1) in the site visit section to match list of
restrictions in CE.
• Measur: Method used to assess restriction (visual observation on site visit,
landowner report, document (report, land title), air photo, sample collected and
analyzed.
• Visual observation of changes since BDR (presence/absence should include a photo)
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 12
16. Table 1: land Owner Rights and Permitted Uses
Changes from
baseline/last
Owners Rights and Permitted monitoring
Uses Measur report (Y/N) Describe Photo
5.1 Signs
The Owners have the right to
post signs. Presence/absence
5.2 Access
The Owners can control and
restrict access. Landowner interview
5.3 Disposition
The Owners have the right to
sell, lease, or otherwise
convey the land and to
mortgage or charge the
Owner’s interest in the land.
Landowner interview
5.4 Maintenance
The Owners can maintain,
repair, enhance and replace
and existing buildings,
Landowner
structures, and improvements
interview,
or access roads
observational
5.5 Permitted Construction Landowner
The Owners have the right to Interview,
build as described in the CE. observational
5.6 Vehicles
The Owner has the right to
use ATVs and snowmobiles Landowner
on designated trails and Interview,
fence lines. observational
5.7 Agricultural Activities Landowner
The owners can graze or hay interview,
the property. observational
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 13
17. Table 2: Restrictions on CE
Violation
Restrictions Measur (Y/N) Describe Photo
6.1 Destruction of Vegetation Observational
No cutting, removal, or evidence of changes
destruction of vegetation. to vegetation
communities
6.2 Drainage and Diversion of Observational
Water Courses evidence of changes
No alteration, diversion or to water courses (ie.
drainage of water courses. no structural barriers
evident)
6.3 Pollution of Water Question in land
Courses owner interview and
No pollution or degradation of water sample for
water courses or water streams at entry and
bodies on the property. exit point
6.4 Shoreline Vegetation
No destruction of vegetation Observational no
or soils on shorelines of evidence of erosion or
water courses or water vegetation removal
bodies. along shore lines
6.5 Wildlife Disturbance
No noise, glare, obstruction
or odour which may be
reasonably anticipated to
disturb wildlife patterns. Observational
6.6 Wildlife Movement
No activity which will impede
wildlife movement. Observational
6.7 Chemicals and Fertilizers
No pesticides including Land owner
herbicides, or fertilizers. interviews
6.8 Mining
No excavation, dredging, or
mining of any sand, gravel,
minerals, rock or other
materials. Observational
6.9 Resource Extraction
No oil and gas exploration
unless required by law Presence/absence
6.10 Refuse
No dumping of garbage,
waste, debris, or refuse Presence/absence
6.11 Hunting and Trapping
No hunting, killing, trapping of Observational no
animals or birds on the evidence of traps or
property. kills
6.12 Construction
No building except as
allowed by the management
plan in the CE. Presence/absence
6.13 Subdivision
No application for
subdivision. Presence/absence
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 14
18. Changes will be documented using location (GPS waypoints; nad83), photos and specifics on the violation
(describe severity and scope) and if it has an impact on the intent of the CE. Where appropriate suggest possible
actions or resolutions.
Observations
3.3 Wildlife Observations during site visit or by landowner
• List species (flora and fauna) observed by the monitor or landowner since the
previous visit.
3.4 Water
• Were there any water quality studies/research done on the site
• Note the location of water samples
• Results of any water quality samples taken
3.5 Document significant changes observed on the property
• Natural changes (e.g. water course change due to flooding, fire)
• Land use changes
• Document changes/violations by using maps, photos (GPS waypoints) and attach in
Appendix B.
4.0 Agreement Monitoring Report
• Sign off by land trust board member and landowner with date of completion.
A:
Appendix A: landowner Interview
To help inform information in the monitoring report, suggest interviewing the landowners.
l. Length of time as owner of property
m. Are the land use activities the same on the property as reported in the Baseline Document
Report?
n. Changes in management regime (are there any new management plans).
o. Are there any significant changes to the landscape as a result of natural causes? (ie fire,
flooding)
p. Are there any significant changes to the landscape caused by humans? (neighbors, third
party)
q. Do you have invasive species on the property (list species if possible) and discuss
location of patches.
r. Are you aware of any water quality assessments on this property?
s. Are you aware of areas where chemical pesticides or fertilizers have been used on the
property?
t. Please list species you have seen on the property and frequency of sightings in the last
year?
u. Are there things you are concerned about from a stewardship perspective that FLT might
be able to assist you with?
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 15
19. B:
Appendix B: Documented changes since BDR and/or last monitoring period.
If the monitor finds evidence of a violation or change of condition since the BDR or monitoring report, it is
important to document the change using GPS (maps), photos and detailed descriptions. Describe the
extent and severity of the impact. There is no need for a conversation with the land owner at this time, an
FLT board member will follow up with the land owner once the potential violation has been reviewed
internally.
Disclaimer
This Monitoring Report Template was created for the Foothills Land Trust and may or may not be
appropriate for all land trust organizations. It is available for any land trust to use and to adapt for its own
purposes. Foothills Land Trust is not responsible for any results achieved or decisions made through the
use of the Monitoring Report Template.
FLT BDR and Monitoring Recommendations 16