Nomination Statement for New England Region Candidate
Shelley Harms

I was honored to be nominated for the Terrafirma Members Committee. Terrafirma provides a valuable, much-needed service to land trusts. I’ve been through litigation to enforce a conservation restriction - it was long, it was painful, and it was expensive. Terrafirma gives land trusts comfort that the expense will be bearable if they have to go to court. Even more than that, Terrafirma works with land trusts when a claim is filed to resolve issues before they get to the point of litigation. I think Terrafirma’s mission and services are well worth supporting and I would be proud and happy to work with this great organization as a member of the committee.  

If elected, I think I could bring useful perspectives and experience to the committee.  I have worked with so many land trusts. I’ve been staff, a consultant, a volunteer, and a board member. I’ve served as  President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and on committees including Acquisitions, Governance, Outreach, and Stewardship. I would also hope to bring my experience and expertise as an attorney. As with every committee on which I’ve served, I would be there to show up, listen, learn, represent, help, and do what is needed.