Nomination Statement for New England Region Candidate
Virginia (Ginny) Gwynn

Land trusts large and small are facing unprecedented and costly challenges from developers and from new neighbors and landowners. Our increasingly litigious society puts most non-profit organizations at a distinct disadvantage against the deep pockets of developers and wealthy neighbors. That is why the establishment of Terrafirma was a giant step forward in the maturity of the land trust movement and in the capability of member land trusts to preserve our precious assets.  Protecting conservation lands forever is a daunting task. Terrafirma creates the opportunity to put member land trusts on a par with potential adversaries. Its existence empowers land trusts of all sizes by providing additional tools to use in challenges to our lands.

I am currently the executive director of a Connecticut land trust which has faced a variety of challenges to our conservation lands from neighbors and from those whose land is protected with conservation easements. I have experienced the issues that can arise when a neighboring or underlying property is sold to someone who was not a participant in the original conservation transaction. I have learned that open discussions and personal diplomacy can fix some situations, but unfortunately not all; legal alternatives have to be used as a last resort.  Although our land trust has not yet used Terrafirma services, our membership gives us greater confidence in our long-term ability to protect our conservation land.

If elected to serve on the Terrafirma Members Committee, I would encourage sharing of information about how land trusts are successfully defending their lands and how all land trusts can be better prepared to meet legal challenges in the future.  Terrafirma can be both a legal resource and an information source for its members.  Despite differences in geography, size and staffing, we all face the same issues – and sharing experiences will benefit all.

I am honored to have been nominated to serve on the Terrafirma Members Committee and would welcome the opportunity to serve this organization for the benefit of land trusts in New England and throughout the country.