A Candid Look at The RVLT’s Short History, And Where We’re Headed

by Sybil Kolon

History

en years ago the roots of the RVLT were forming. It took over a year to apply for and receive non-profit status. In July of 1993 we were conditionally recognized by the IRS as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. After three years “on probation” we were granted official non-profit status.

Since we began we have protected 358 acres through conservation easements donated by property owners. That’s only 35 acres per year. But a landowner can take a long time to decide to give away most or all of the rights to develop their property. And a new organization can take some time to figure out how to do things. We have learned a lot from our successes and failures.

We have done other things less measurable than preserving X number of acres per year. We have tried, on a small scale, to provoke and be involved in a dialogue about how land use decisions can shape the future. A quote from our first newsletter demonstrates an early and continuing interest: “The RVLT Board considers education of the public about relevant land-use issues a primary responsibility of the group.” A list of some of our projects over the years gives a quick picture of our activities.

1993 — Manchester High School students paint storm drains to River Raisin, “Dump no waste — Drains to River.” Held contest to design our logo. Our current logo was designed by James Gillett.
1994 — Your Favorite Place contest asks entrants to depict the natural areas of the watershed in art, photography, poetry and prose. Judging and awards at the Manchester Canoe Race.
1995 — Raisin Pickers concert at Trestle Park to introduce the Adrian community to the RVLT.
1996 — Iron Creek Initiative informs local land owners of preservation options.
1997 — Sponsors “What is Responsible Development” by Robin Green, a well attended presentation in Adrian about responsible development that incorporates preservation of natural features (video available).
1998 — Three board members involved in the formation of Lenawee Citizens for Land Stewardship (now Citizens for Land Stewardship).
1999 — Receive $30,000 grant from the Stubnitz Foundation for watershed study and to fund endowments for conservation easements.
2000 — Takes an active role in examining the potential for Interstate-73 from Toledo to Jackson.

Our board members have performed the bulk of the work that has kept us going so far. Our original seven member board expanded to nine in 1995. Five of us (Woody, Sybil, Bob, Laura and Dennis) are original directors. Last September we went down to eight when Wayne Kirkby retired and moved away. In June Linda Kendall agreed to serve out the remainder of Wayne’s term, through 2002 (see her profile on page 3). We welcome the new energy she brings to the board.

Recent Happenings

In May Woody and I spent a weekend at the Midwest Land Trust Conference, where we learned much about what’s going on around the Midwest and what we can do to further our mission. We took with us Janet Cowling, our new, part-time, administrative assistant.

Hiring Janet was the first step we have taken away from being an all volunteer group. Janet is assisting us with routine business. We have set up temporary office space provided by a supporter. We are still looking for permanent office space in the Adrian-Tecumseh-Clinton area.

In April Woody, Mike, Jim, Janet and I toured our easements. It was a fabulous day. Two of the easements we toured were new last year. One of them is described in more detail on page 3. We will cover the other one this fall.

In July we received another grant from the Stubnitz Foundation, of $8,000, to continue funding easement acquisitions.

The Challenge

Some people are ready to put a conservation easement on their land forever. It is a gift from the heart. Some of them even give us money so we have resources to defend the easement in the future. But not everyone can afford to give up the development rights to their property, especially farmers, who never know when they will have to sell some land to get by — or just sell everything. There are other ways for landowners to realize much of the value of their land without seeing it developed. But there are trade-offs in everything we do. The RVLT is here to help explain the conservation options and their various trade-offs to landowners. (See the enclosed fact sheet for more information, or contact us directly.)

The Future

Our goals have not changed over the past ten years. However, we do want to expand our efforts to achieve them. Securing conservation easements remains our primary means of directly protecting natural areas (see mission statement on page one). But obtaining conservation easements requires that landowners and the general public understand the benefits of protecting these areas, and the options available for doing so. Therefore, we must increase our community out-reach efforts.

We will be refining these efforts as part of a strategic planning process to be initiated this fall. One item that will be on the agenda will be a well-planned membership and fundraising campaign. Through such a campaign we will raise money and find volunteers, both of which will help us accomplish our goals. There are many pieces to this puzzle. Now that we have some experience it is time to sit down, evaluate and prioritize what needs to be done, and identify a logical order and timetable for putting the pieces in place.

A Vision

We want everyone who lives in the River Raisin watershed to look around them and figure out what it is, in terms of our rural landscape, that future generations will thank us for preserving. And then we should work on doing just that. And “WE” is not the RVLT. “WE” is all of us working together, finding alternatives of every size and shape to put some of our farmlands, wetlands and woodlands in reserve.

What You Can Do

If you receive and appreciate this newsletter we ask that you send us $10 to cover its cost. If you would like to help us accomplish our goals we ask that you become a member for $25, and we invite you to attend our monthly meetings. If you are able, we ask that you give us a little bit more in either time or money. All donations are tax deductible. If you have experience in real estate, law, or finance, your expertise could be put to good use as a member of our board or one of our committees. If you are good at publicity, we can use help with our newsletter, designing booth displays, and similar projects. Your support is critical for us to move forward and expand on the foundation we have built in our first ten years.

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Design by Kenny King.