The Conservancy Board of Directors held a planning retreat early in 2008. The result of that meeting was the creation of a new vision statement and the following strategic plan. The Conservancy also has “internal” goals for the year which include: governance; communications; administration; and finance.
VISION
Conserving and stewarding our land resources for future generations.
MISSION
The Williamsburg Land Conservancy is dedicated to protecting and preserving significant natural, scenic and historic lands in the James and York Rivers Watersheds.
Goal 1 - Land Protection
Increase the number of acres of permanently conserved land in James City County, the City of Williamsburg, York County, New Kent County, Charles City County and other areas, as appropriate, that lie within the James and York Rivers watersheds.
A. Strengthen James City County’s Purchase of Development Rights Program (PDR).
B. Participate in James City County Comprehensive Planning Review process.
C. Increase conserved land through a better understanding of Transfer of Development Rights Program (TDR) and other conservation tools not currently being implemented in our region.
D. Determine issues for Conservancy advocacy role.
E. Collaborate with other organizations on projects and issues that advance the Conservancy’s mission.
F. Complete mapping project.
G. Continue to work closely with individual landowners to educate them on the benefits of conserving their land.
H. Continue to work collaboratively with local government.
I. Perform Land Trust Alliance Assessment.
Goal 2 - Land Stewardship
Ensure the Conservancy has a program of responsible stewardship for the land it holds in fee or conservation easement.
A. Evaluate administrative records for each conservation easement and update record keeping where necessary.
B. Review easement monitoring documents.
C. Inspect easements annually.
D. Increase funding for easement stewardship.
Goal 3 – Fundraising
Increase the Conservancy’s revenue
A. Grow membership.
B. Hold special events.
C. Increase the number of grant requests.
D. Evaluate current fundraising efforts and develop long-range plan.
Goal 4 – Historic and Scenic Sites
Enhance and maintain conservation-protected viewsheds and the Church on the Main historic site for education and outreach purposes, as well as for a tool to highlight conservation, stewardship and history.
A. Resurrect paver program to raise money to purchase more plantings for site.
B. Ensure all purchased pavers have been installed.
C. Hold Andy’s Earth Day.
D. Continue to collaborate with Chamber and others on the Historic Triangle Corridor Enhancement Program
Goal 5 - Outreach and Education
Expand current outreach efforts.
A. Continue to expand Celebrating Conservancy awards program.
B. Hold Walk and Talk on Conservancy protected land.
C. Identify and implement new opportunities for reaching and teaching audiences about conservation.
