Land Trust Membership

Tools, expertise, and resources at your fingertips. Membership benefits include technical support, advocacy expertise, and access to a statewide network of peers.

How We Support Land Trusts

Gathering Waters helps ensure Wisconsin land trusts have the tools, expertise, and resources they need to be strong and effective organizations.

We advocate for public policies and funding to support land conservation, and we promote the value of land trusts and land conservation across the state.

All land trust members attest to Land Trust Membership Principles and are committed to pursuing sound operations defined by nationally agreed Land Trust Standards and Practices.

What You Get As a Member

As a land trust member, you have access to a variety of benefits:

Public Policy Advocacy & Government Relations

Access professional government relations staff. Participate in a network of advocates for state & federal policies and funding that support land conservation.

Resources & Updates

Receive timely updates through Currents, Gathering Waters’ e-bulletin for land trusts. Access GIS tools, sample policies, and other resources.

Peer-to-Peer Networking

Engage in peer networking opportunities to share information and best practices.

Training & Technical Assistance

Tap into support for organizational development, conservation planning, and more. Take advantage of member discounts to events and training programs.

Legal Expertise & Assistance

The Land Conservation Law Program offers legal services to land trusts and educates attorneys about conservation easements and other important topics. Note that additional fees apply for the Law Program.

Publicity

List your land trust on our website in an interactive online map, and in print materials. Promote your successes and participate in Wisconsin Land Trust Days.

What We Require

To maintain membership, your land trust must provide:

Current Information

Board of directors: names, mailing addresses, emails, phone numbers
Staff (if applicable): titles, emails, phone numbers

Regular Communication

Response to periodic surveys about land protection efforts and organizational structure

Accreditation or Attestation

Accreditation earned and maintained, OR
Board-approved attestation to the membership principles for Wisconsin Land Trusts
Note: Non-accredited land trusts may be asked to provide additional documentation

Annual Membership Dues

1% of your land trust’s operating expenses (up to $2,500 maximum)