MODULE #1 Baseline Documentation Report Training Module

BDRS FOR FEE SIMPLE PROPERTIESThe timing of completing baseline documentation reports is less critical for feesimple properties than for CE properties. The BDR for fee simple properties is aninventory of the natural and cultural features of a property that form the basis andrationale for future management. Therefore, the BDR needs to be completed priorto a management plan. BDRs for fee simple properties should be completed prior to,or within one year after the property is secured. The rationale for this guideline isto minimize threats to the conservation values of the property. For example, if a feesimple property has exotic plants when secured, the invasions should bedocumented immediately so that rapidly expanding populations can be managedbefore they degrade the conservation value of the property.The timing of the BDR for fee simple properties is less critical for due diligence thanBDRs for CEs. If funding is limited, the baseline documentation can be done inphases, dealing with the most critical issues first and documenting resources thatrequire less urgent management when funds become available.If the property secured is part of more than one contiguous property to bepurchased over the space of a few years, it may make sense to postpone completingthe BDR until all properties can be surveyed together.6Baseline documentation may actually form part of the management plan report andin this case the land trust may not refer to the document as a ‘baselinedocumentation report’ . However, the information gathered would be the same as aBDR.