Island Heritage Trust Inc

“Ce monitoring: it is the policy of island heritage trust (iht) to visit each property subject to a conservation easement for monitoring purposes at least once each year. Monitoring each easement property and documenting the condition of its conservation values is a fundamental responsibility iht assumes when accepting a conservation easement, and is subject to oversight by the maine attorney general's office. Monitoring reports substantiate the condition of the conservation values of the property as of the date of the monitoring visit. The baseline documentation report and the conservation easement document establish the basis for annual monitoring. The primary tasks of monitoring are to make on-site observations, compare them to the baseline and ce documents, and determine whether or not all conserved values, terms, and conditions are in compliance. The report will be stored in the permanent property files in accordance with iht's records policy. Ce enforcement: it is the policy of island heritage trust (iht) to enforce the conservation purposes of its ces through annual monitoring to ensure early discovery, which may reduce or eliminate any potential violations. Our goal is to maintain constructive and respectful working relationships with landowners, and seek approval from the board of trustees in any final decision about a ce violation. Iht will consult their attorney as needed, and will require mitigation for any violation. Violations of easements can be major or minor, and generally are the result of a misunderstanding of ce restrictions. Working with realtors, potential buyers, and new owners to inform them of the seriousness of the ce will reduce misunderstandings. An amendment to the ce might be required to make the remedial measures binding in the future. Every ce and every violation is different, so different solutions are necessary. Iht will take action on every violation. If a resolution of the problem by agreement of the parties cannot be reached, iht will consider legal action, including litigation. All initial investigation and documentation of the violation will be conducted carefully with a complete "paper trail," as though in preparation for litigation. Monitoring and enforcement language is included in all easement agreements.”

“Conservation easements are deemed to be without economic value to island heritage trust, and hence are not recorded as revenue or assets. Text of financial statement note: "conservation easements are deemed to be without economic value to the organization and therefore are valued at zero for accounting purposes."”