Stewardship Matters Over Time
As properties transition to subsequent landowners, stewardship issues are becoming more frequent. WHCL supports clients with post-transaction matters arising after closing, during the stewardship phase of conservation easements.
Defense & Enforcement
WHCL assists landowners and land trusts with enforcement issues and alleged violations arising under conservation easements. For landowners, this includes responding to notices of violation, interpreting easement terms, and working toward practical resolutions that protect property rights while remaining consistent with conservation purposes.
For land trusts, WHCL provides guidance on enforcement strategies, documentation, and compliance approaches. The focus is on addressing issues early, maintaining consistency with the easement terms, and supporting defensible, well-reasoned outcomes that uphold long-term conservation goals.
Amendments
The focus is on ensuring proposed changes are clearly documented, legally defensible, and consistent with the original conservation purpose. WHCL assists with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating conservation easement amendments.
Approvals
WHCL prepares and reviews approval letters and related stewardship documents. Guidance is provided to ensure approvals are well-supported, consistent with easement terms, and appropriately documented for the record.
Post Transaction Challenges
Dispute Support
With a background in litigation, WHCL provides strategic guidance as stewardship matters begin to escalate, helping clients evaluate options, manage risk, and position issues for resolution before formal proceedings.
If a matter proceeds to litigation, the firm can serve as a conservation-focused liaison, working alongside litigation counsel to provide subject-matter insight and support on conservation easement issues.