KEWEENAW LAND TRUST INC

CONSERVATION:Two new nature areas were established under the Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) land conservation program during 2024. Several donors contributed to the purchase of a land parcel of about 52 acres with 1,400 feet of undeveloped shoreline on Lake Superior, including the mouth of Jacob's Creek. Protection of undeveloped Lake Superior shoreline remains among the highest conservation priorities of the organization based in part on community input and regional conservation plans. This project also conserves high quality wooded dune and swale coastal habitats. The Boston Creek Nature Area was established by the donation of 40 acres to conserve a scenic quarter-mile stretch of the creek with rapids and small waterfalls and lined by woodland. A rolling topography, diverse habitats and exceptional examples of exposed nonesuch shale rock formations add interest and value to this conservation project. Several potential conservation projects are under evaluation or in development from partner referrals, landowner inquiries, and organizational program initiatives, including shoreline tracts, inland lakes, old growth forest and river frontage. KLT land protection staff participate in peer practitioner networking and online training through the national Land Trust Alliance for professional support and development. The national Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded KLT renewal of its accreditation status, an important indication that KLT follows standards and practices to better ensure sound, legal and ethical transactions that will stand the test of time. KLT staff are working with legal counsel to update its methodology for drafting conservation easements to better align with current best practices. While easement work will continue, KLT has made an intentional shift towards protecting land by ownership, an approach that provides more direct public benefits and community connection to the land while offering KLT more control.

STEWARDSHIP:Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) continued its work to enhance habitats and facilitate public access opportunities in keeping with conservation goals for its protected lands. KLT hosted an AmeriCorps National Civil Community Conservation team of 6 members for 8 weeks to bolster stewardship efforts during the 2024 field season. Engaging volunteers is a hallmark of growing stewardship capacity and personal connections to our protected land, and transferring knowledge that can facilitate better stewardship on private land. A component of our stewardship program is maintaining several rustic cabins available for scheduled use by donation. In accordance with LTA Standards & Practices, KLT conducted annual monitoring of its nature areas and private lands protected by conservation easements to ensure that conservation values are being protected. Documentation of monitoring and stewardship work is a critical component of accreditation with records selected by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission submitted as part of KLT's application for renewal of accreditation status. KLT continues to work on technological improvements to facilitate better networking, backup systems, security and organization of digital records for its conservation and stewardship programs.