Nomination Statement for Mid-Atlantic Region Candidate
Dan Jones

It is indeed an honor to be considered as a possible member of the Terrafirma Members Committee, representing the Mid-Atlantic Region.  Active support for land conservation and the preservation of “place” has been an important part of my DNA for many years.  My acquaintance with and interest in the Land Trust Alliance (Alliance) goes back to 2001 with my attendance at a regional meeting held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

As a founding board member of the Capital Region Land Conservancy (CLRC), we were an early supporter of the Alliance formation of Terrafirma in 2011 and have been part of the conservation defense liability insurance service since its inception.  CRLC has been actively striving to meet Alliance accreditation standards and building of strong legal defense and stewardship funds.  Defending our conserved lands from legal challenge has been a concern and topic of discussion since CRLC’s formation in 2005. As chair of the CRLC Easement Committee, I have been especially aware of the growing threat of legal challenges which we will eventually face as conserved properties change ownership, goals of owners evolve and development pressures increase. Without the comprehensive protections including legal insurance, risk management information/training and partnerships with the 475 other insured land trusts, our very existence could be jeopardized through possible future legal challenges.

I have been an active supporter of land conservation throughout most of my adult life with my time, talents and financial resources.  My volunteer service as a Master Naturalist, participation in Sierra Club service trips in national parks and wilderness areas and board service with CRLC, The Murie Center and Frances Emma Inc. have been efforts to “give back” and make a difference.  I strongly believe that CRLC is making a positive difference in the Richmond region and that Alliance and Terrafirma are having a very positive impact nationally.  I believe that my talents and acquired knowledge will be of benefit to Terrafirma especially in the critical areas of governance and outreach throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region with both members and non-members.  Your consideration of my candidacy is appreciated.