MODULE #1 Baseline Documentation Report Training Module

APPENDIX A: BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTTEMPLATE FOR CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROPERTIESThe volume and specificity of information required by the baseline documentationreport will vary depending on the terms of the easement and the conservationobjectives at the site. The intent of this format is to allow flexibility in thedocumentation technique and to correlate the quantity and nature of thedocumentation to the terms of the easement.Title Page: Name of easement property (as the land trust has it filed), date of BDR,author(s) and their affiliations.Purpose of the Baseline Documentation Report: This states the intent of the BDR – todocument the condition of the property at the date the CE is registered. BDR may be used todefend the CE in the event of future violations.Purpose of the Conservation Easement: This sets the stage for the report, andsummarizes the purpose of protecting the property (i.e., significance of the land and theconservation goals). Include a summary of reserved rights and restrictions. Defining theconservation objectives for a property requires consideration of a number of factors suchas:• the ecological values to be protected, including the variety of ecosystems on theproperty, the type and extent of sensitive ecosystems, and unique and sensitiveecological features;• why and how the ecological values are to be protected and for how long;• the motivation of the landowner in protecting the property; and• the conservation priorities of the organization.17Property Background Information:A. Legal description of the property . Description of relevant titleencumbrances (easements, rights-of-way, leases, licenses, water rightsetc.)B. Size of property and /or easement area.C. Location of property and directions from land trust monitoring office.Description of legal access to the land or right of access granted to theland trust.D. Date of site visit.E. Historical information on the donation/acquisition – a briefchronological description of events that led to the protection of theproperty.Location and Physical Setting: General description of the landscape and surrounding area,including adjacent land use.Existing Human Modifications: Provide detailed descriptions, measurements and