Creating a Stewardship Agreement
When a landowner is interested and willing to participate in the Conservation Partners Program, the first step is to meet with TLC to discuss which options will best meet the present and future needs of the landowner and his/her family. Then, TLC and the landowner draw up an agreement. The Stewardship Agreement is a written, non-legally binding contract between The Land Conservancy of BC and the participant, which clearly states what the participant will and will not do in order to remain a participant in the Conservation Partners Program (see Sample Agreement)
Habitat Conservation Option
An Agreement may take various forms, depending on how and for how long a landowner wishes to protect the special areas of their property, and on the business and personal goals of each individual. It clearly states how the landowner will practice stewardship on their property by delineating the habitat to be protected, restored or enhanced and the steps that will be taken in doing so.
The landowner is obligated to protect the habitat as defined in the Agreement and to refrain from making changes to the defined habitat without consultation with TLC staff. The landowner agrees to report to TLC any accidental or deliberate action that impacts the defined area. He/she may monitor birds, mammals, snakes, frogs and other wildlife, but will not harass wildlife or remove vegetation in the defined area. TLC encourages conservation partners to incorporate the conservation partner label into their own farm label; to display the label as a roadside sign; and to offer conservation partner program information at their farm gate and farm market stands.
TLC assists with planning, technical assistance and any other way decided upon by both parties.
Conservation Supporter Option
In special situations an agricultural landowner may not have suitable natural habitat on their property – all the land is farmed. The landowner may want to support the program by cash contribution (for example, a % of annual net product sales). He/she may choose a specific conservation project to apply their financial contribution.
TLC retains the right not to proceed with any particular farm on the basis of farming practices. Conservation Supporters may use the conservation label in the same manner as Conservation Partners.
TLC Responsibilities
TLC assists participants with technical and funding assistance for stewardship projects. In this regard, TLC works within its capacity to liaise with other conservation groups, professionals, members of the public, and funding sources at the local, provincial and federal levels. Produce distributors, grocery retailers, box programs, farmers markets and participants are invited to help promote the program and to financially support the program.
TLC monitors the defined protected areas at least annually, discusses progress with the landowner, offers advice, if needed, and may organize work parties and/or Conservation Holidays if the landowner agrees.
TLC markets the conservation partners program by:
- providing producer profiles and other informational material for the consumer to managers of retail outlets, urban box programs, and produce wholesale distributors
- staffing display tables in grocery stores and farmers markets
- providing displays and presentations to agricultural associations, stewardship organizations, and conferences
- preparing media releases
- hosting promotional events
TLC keeps conservation partners informed regularly through newsletters and correspondence as needed. Feedback from partners is encouraged.
