Cumberland County Outreach Efforts
CPC has initiated a new outreach initiative in an attempt to obtain more riparian and conservation easements in Cumberland County. This program is based on the idea that landowners are more likely to be receptive to our easement programs if they are preliminarily contacted by someone they know - essentially establishing a credibility of trust on behalf of CPC. If the landowner shows interest in an easement, this “ambassador” will provide an introduction between the landowner and a CPC staff person in which we follow up on the specifics relating to their particular easement potential. This project is funded by a grant from PALTA through DCNR.
To get this project underway, CPC organized an outreach training session for conservation groups and agencies operating in Cumberland County. The initial session was held at the Allenberry Resort on December 13, 2006, and was attended by about 30 people. The attendees represented watershed associations, conservation organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies. CPC staff and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation presented information on easements and restoration of riparian areas. Each person was provided with a packet of materials to assist them with initial landowner contacts.
Time was provided for discussion among the persons attending. This proved to be valuable, since it provided an opportunity for them to discuss their projects and learn how they could contribute their expertise to each other's projects. There was also general agreement to participate in landowner outreach on behalf of CPC.
Several organizations were either missed or unable to attend this session. CPC will meet with these organizations to expand the Cumberland County outreach effort. These individuals include the CREP representative and the Cumberland County Extension Office coordinator. In addition, the CPC Outreach Coordinator will continue to remain in contact with the people who will be initiating landowner visits.
Cumberland County Outreach Approach
- The Central Pennsylvania Conservancy’s (CPC) objective for this program is to protect and preserve land and waters through voluntary conservation and riparian easements.
- CPC will concentrate on properties that are not eligible for other conservation or preservation programs, and coordinate with other organizations to avoid duplication of effort.
- Highest priority for easements will be riparian properties, or portions of properties containing riparian areas.
- Wetlands, forest, other important habitat, potential land or water trails, parcels adjacent to other preserved land, agricultural land and other properties of environmental or ecological concern will also be considered for this program.
- Identifying target properties requires an effective outreach program.
- Outreach programs of this kind are most effectively conducted by local organizations with members familiar with the properties and the owners.
- An Outreach Team will be established, consisting of conservation and watershed organizations and agencies, and chaired by the CPC County Coordinator.
- A list of potential team members includes: Big Springs Watershed Association, Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association, Letort Regional Authority, Yellow Breeches Creek Watershed Association, Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited, the Woodland Owners’ Association, Cumberland County Conservation District, and the Cumberland County Planning Commission.
- These and other organizations are being contacted by CPC to request their participation on the Outreach Team.
- Participating organizations will identify their Outreach Team member.
- The Outreach Team members must be provided with a degree of training by CPC that will enable the members to explain to property owners the basic principles of conservation and riparian easements. (Initial training at Allenberry, 12/13/06).)
- CPC must provide readily understandable handouts explaining the program for the Outreach Team to leave with the contacted property owners. (See packet for sample handouts)
- CPC will schedule a meeting of the Outreach Team to explain the purpose and provide an opportunity to comment on outreach materials. (12/13/06)
- CPC will finalize the outreach materials and a form to be used by Outreach Team members to report contacts made and the outcome of those contacts.
- CPC will schedule a training session for the Outreach Team members. (12/13/06)
- CPC will provide the training and materials to the Outreach Team members. (12/13/06)
- Outreach Team members will identify critical properties with help from their members, and contact the owners of those properties. (ongoing)
- CPC will communicate monthly updates to all team members via e-mail
- Outreach Team members will report the results of these contacts to CPC on the form provided.
- Where there is interest by the property owner in further discussing an easement, a CPC representative will follow up with that property owner (preferably accompanied by the Team member who initiated the contact)
- Follow CPC Procedure Checklist below
- Initial contact by landowner.
- Find the deed for the property.
- Site visit and evaluation by CPC’s Land Protection Committee (LPC) with all landowners listed on deed.
During this visit the LPC will:- Make sure that all owners are at initial site visit and evaluation meeting.
- Evaluate property to determine if the property meets CPC’s criteria.
- Determine goals and priorities of landowner for protecting their land.
- Find out if there is a mortgage on property.
- Discuss stewardship funding with landowner.
- Discuss monitoring provisions with landowner.
- Try to answer any questions the landowner might have.
- CPC Board reviews report and evaluation, then votes on whether or not to
- proceed. (Note this is not a final vote to accept the easement donation.)
- Landowner consults own professional advisors for financial and legal advice.
- Conduct title search for the property.
- Draft the easement. Consult legal counsel as necessary.
- Begin Baseline Documentation.
- CPC Board votes for final acceptance of easement donation.
- Sign and record easement.
- Publicize donation with owner’s permission. Discuss opportunity to erect sign.
- Establish timeline for stewardship monitoring with landowner.
