Caring for the Land
As the legal stewards of the lands in our care, we take the phrase “forever protected” very seriously. In seeking to protect fragile and significant elements of Leelanau, we must also plan for their diligent and perpetual care and create opportunities for visitors to hike and enjoy.
Responsible stewardship of Conservancy natural areas and preserves includes on-going, regular maintenance like clearing new trails and monitoring invasive species. The vast majority of Conservancy-protected land remains in private ownership, forever preserved by the legal terms of a conservation easement. Stewardship of these lands means communicating effectively with landowners and monitoring these lands regularly, to ensure that the land remains per the terms of the agreement. In rare instances, legal steps may be taken to protect habitat for future generations.