Land Protection/In-House CounselApril2014Board Report
Chair – Jerry Chase, , 717-626-0056
DirectorKate Gonick, , 717-392-7891 Ext. 203
STRATEGIC GOAL 1: PROTECT
PPL/CL(Conservation Landscape) Susquehanna Riverlands(funded by DCNR):
Kate drafted documents, phone conferences with funders and other partners, reviewed PPL draft documents, title and deeds, and Lydia and Derek conducted final site visits. Settlement is delayed due to unresolved issues on required releases and an encroachment on a York parcel that includes potential environmental issues. Kate and Fritz are working with a consultant on a brochure and power point for municipal outreach within the CL.
New Projects:
Kate is researching a possible addition to our Steinman Run Nature Preserve and responded to 3 land offers and inquiries and 2 lease calls.
STRATEGIC GOAL 2: ENGAGE
Climbers Run Property(funded by William Penn):
See Legal below. Kate continued to support CEO/COO on planning for barn and work with consultants and DCNR on preparation of all documents required for Development Grant application in 2015.
STRATEGIC GOAL 3: ADVOCATE
Welsh Mountains (funded by Welsh Mountain Preserve Fund):
LCC continues to meet with our partners on the committee who fund and support the improvements to the Welsh Mountain Preserve, the acquisition of adjacent lands, and the extension of trails beyond our preserve.
PALTA (Pennsylvania Land Trust Association):
Kate participated in the legal review of a recent case impacting public parks and discussion of a possible Amicus Brief. Kate attended PALTA Policy meeting and discussion of issues impacting land trusts.
Pipelines:
LCC is monitoring the potential impact of 3 proposed pipelines on various preserves/providing documentation and arguments to gas companies (Williams and ODEC) to support avoiding our preserves and forested land.
STRATEGIC GOAL 4: SUSTAIN
Legal:
Drafted extensive revisions to AIA contract proposed by Wholsen for the Susquehanna Riverlands Watershed Education Center improvements.
General:
Meetings with staff and managers on transition planning, and assisted with reaccreditation.
Fundraising:
Kate and Mike attended Lancaster County Community Foundation Endowment funding meeting.
Land Protection Committee meetings in March focused on fundraising and sustainability, and we continue to work to engage the Committee members in fundraising. Members provided reports on outreach efforts to Cabelas, Trop Gun Shop, Nissley, Lanco Gun Shop, Bass Outfitters, Grandview Vineyards, the Homebrewers Club, Boulder group, Kinsey Archery, M & M Mars, and a plan on including photos of our preserves in Google earth.
Kate represented LCC at major donor events.
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