[Michigan_LT] Baseline reports

[April Scholtz]

I've never considered the baselines that we do for easements prior to
recording "comprehensive".  We've usually only visited the property a
handful of times and often in only one or two seasons, so we know that
our information is incomplete.  Our limited program and (qualified)
volunteer resources don't usually allow us to undertake an extensive
inventory.  

 

With that acknowledgment, we put in as much data that we can and
consider every monitoring or other visit an opportunity to add to the
information base.  We include information to support the stated
conservation values and take lots of pictures of the natural habitats
that are supposed to remain natural, not just corners and structures.

 

When facing a violation (yes, we've had a couple), there will always be
"wish-we-would-have" thoughts, but if you do well enough with the
resources you have and continue to build on the baseline, I'm
comfortable that a proper legal defense can be established. 

 

--April

 

April Scholtz, Land Protection Director

Land Conservancy of West Michigan

1345 Monroe NW, Suite 324

Grand Rapids, MI  49505

616-451-9476

________________________________

From: michigan_list-bounces at lists.ltanet.org
[mailto:michigan_list-bounces at lists.ltanet.org] On Behalf Of Jean
Brokish
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2007 11:46 AM
To: michigan_list at lists.ltanet.org
Cc: SrChapmans at aol.com
Subject: [Michigan_LT] Baseline reports

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

I have a few questions on Baseline Documentation Reports and would
appreciate any comments from across the state:

 

What is your philosophy on the level of detail that is included in the
baseline report?  I'm not talking about photos at all the corners and of
existing structures, I'm talking about things like comprehensive species
lists, any current or recommended management practices, documenting
specific habitats, etc.   What are the advantages of including a lot of
details?  Any disadvantages?   Any "wish-we-would-haves" from
conservancies that have had to prove a violation?

 

Do any conservancies record the baseline report with the CE?   Pros /
cons of doing so?

 

All comments are appreciated!  

 

Best,
Jean

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jean Brokish

Chikaming Open Lands

PO Box 291 / 14913 Lakeside Rd

Lakeside, MI  49116

 

p: 269-469-2330  f: 269-469-2471

 

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://lists.ltanet.org/pipermail/michigan_list/attachments/20070326/df511637/attachment.html