Many people are familiar with Conservation Land Trusts, which are established to protect resource lands and wilderness. Similarly, Community Land Trusts preserve affordable housing by removing land from the speculative market and creating long-term leases with homeowners. Evergreen Land Trust combines these functions as a Stewardship Trust—to hold land in perpetuity for the common good.
First, consider the long-term goals for the land or housing you would like to preserve. What matters to you? What would you like to protect or promote for future generations? You can contact us with questions about how a land trust works, and the kind of project you are envisioning. If it looks like a good fit, we can help you develop a proposal for the ELT Board of Directors. Otherwise we can refer you to another land trust organization that may be better suited to your interests.
People who live on trust property must abide by the policies of the Evergreen Land Trust and uphold the responsibilities which are outlined in the property’s use agreement, in cooperation with the other members and residents. Each year, each community submits an annual report of their activities and finances to the board of directors, including improvements or losses.