Nomination Statement for Krista Magaw

   I am honored to be nominated as Midwest representative on the Member Committee of Terrafirma. From the time I accepted the position as Tecumseh Land Trust’s (TLT) first Executive Director, in late 2001, I saw the audacity of the promise of perpetuity that we make as land trusts!  How can we be sure about the long-term stewardship and protection of our most sensitive, diverse and important places in the ever-changing world of real estate law and business?  Our nation was rocked on September 11th, but I believed the mindful experience of nature and beauty were a balm for our ills. I also believed that the strong roots of TLT positioned it to inspire our Little Miami Valley community to safeguard our bountiful local natural assets to the benefit of all.

   The Land Trust Alliance (LTA) Standards and Practices set out the path for our land trust’s work and success. Further, the Land Trust Alliance’s (LTA’s) Rallies and supportive network provided connections to the expertise needed for our work, from environmental science to organizational development and record keeping. 

   The need to measure and assure quality land trust practice led LTA to develop a program of accreditation, assuring our promise of perpetuity. TLT welcomed the opportunity of accreditation and it made us better. As the national land trust movement took stock of local challenges, the need for the Terrafirma charitable risk pool became apparent. In addition to providing critical easement defense supports and services, the Terrafirma manager and volunteers reached out to land trusts across the nation, patiently answering their questions and encouraging membership. TLT was not an easy sell, but we got the answers we needed and joined.

   As a founding member of the Coalition of Ohio Land Trust’s (COLT’s) Steering Committee, and current chair, I know how important accreditation and Terrafirma are to our nearly 30 local land trusts, several all-volunteer. The Midwest LTA “circuit rider” program has reached several land trusts, but others have yet to participate in LTA programs, or understand how to benefit from Terrafirma membership. As Midwest representative to the Members Committee, I would communicate the value of Terrafirma to Midwest land trusts, and represent their concerns and needs.

   The integrity and performance of Terrafirma is integral to keeping the promises of the land trust movement. It would be my honor to be involved in oversight, contracting, and performance review. My Public Policy training and experiences since have entailed considerable review and synthesizing of detail, and the responsibility to translate this information into policy and practice. Staying current on pertinent legal, financial and regulatory information would make me a better Executive Director and participant in the supportive network of land trusts facilitated by our Midwest LTA team.

Krista Magaw