FAQs

What is it like to live on EBCLT land?

For a typical Earth Bridge Community Land Trust (EBCLT) Land User, the land is an integral part of life. One may be a farmer; may have a day job but garden at home in summers; may share a driveway or well with EBCLT neighbors; and may cherish the rural location, daily walks in the woods, the beautiful views from one’s windows, or outdoor play and discovery with children or grandchildren. Land Users are likely to interact regularly with EBCLT neighbors, whether to work together on shared improvements such as a garden, to check in on someone who has been ill, to offer help or trade for chores, to feed the cats during neighbors’ absences, or to resolve discrepancies on the tax bill. They may jointly enroll their leaseholds in the statewide Use Value Appraisal program.

Stewardship of the land is a high priority. Land Users are aware of potential environmental problems, such as erosion, pollution, or threats to wildlife, and seek to find solutions that care for both the natural and the human communities in their neighborhood. Land Users are required to be members of the organization. They take turns serving on the EBCLT Board of Directors and on committees. Some may feel underqualified for this work, but they recognize that the benefits of EBCLT membership are available only as long as the work of the organization gets done, and that people who are willing to learn are the most effective volunteers.

What is EBCLT’s relationship to the land?

Earth Bridge Community Land Trust (EBCLT) takes its stewardship role seriously. This begins with choosing member Land Users who will be good stewards of their leaseholds. EBLCT is responsible for ensuring that Land Users’ decisions and stewardship result in protecting the land. When members wish to make a significant change to their leasehold, they first obtain consent from the EBCLT Board of Directors. Examples include: constructing a new building, expanding an existing one, putting in a solar array, logging or clearing forest land, or beginning an agricultural endeavor. When a leasehold changes hands, EBCLT guides this process from start to finish using a carefully developed transfer procedure. This ensures that, while outgoing and incoming Land Users’ needs are balanced, EBCLT and the land itself are protected and EBCLT’s values are upheld.

What does all this mean for me as a potential Land User?

Land User/Member Rights and Responsibilities for Earth Bridge Community Land Trust (EBCLT), quoted from the Bylaws:

A. The rights of Members of the Corporation to absolute freedom of religion, politics, association, expression, production, and exchange shall never be abridged or impaired by EBCLT, except insofar as the freedom of individual Members conflicts with the rights of other Members. In all its dealings, the Corporation and/or its duly authorized agents shall not discriminate against individuals for reasons of sex, race, creed, color, class, culture, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or national origin.

B. Members will support the philosophy, governing principles, and the spirit of EBCLT as embodied in the Articles of Incorporation and these Bylaws.

C. All Members may vote at special and annual meetings. No proxy votes shall be considered. Each adult Member has one vote. For a member organization, the Board of Directors will determine its voting share (1–3 votes) at the time of finalization of the lease or upon joining EBCLT. For exceptions, see Article II, 3. G., Decision Making.

D. Members are expected to participate in EBCLT by attending Membership meetings, serving on committees and the Board of Directors. Members are encouraged to attend other EBCLT events.

E. All Land User Members are required to pay lease fees, taxes, insurance, and other fees. All Members are required to pay the annual Membership fee in order to maintain Membership and the right to vote. Organizational Members are required to pay the annual Membership fee for each designated voter.

F. Members of EBCLT are not personally liable for debts, liabilities, or obligations of the Corporation.

Is an EBCLT Lease a good fit?

Here is a set of questions for potential Land Users to ask themselves to help determine a “good fit” with Earth Bridge Community Land Trust (EBCLT):

• Do I want to live on this leased land and in the town where it’s located?
• Am I willing to become a member of a community that maintains an alternative culture regarding land ownership, stewardship, and land transactions?
• Am I committed to putting stewardship of the land and the well-being of the Land Trust community at the forefront of my plans?
• Do I understand the limitations of an EBCLT lease and support the philosophy behind them?
• Do I have the patience (both in acquiring a lease and for the long term) to be an active member of an organization that can be slow moving, is imperfect, but is firmly rooted in strong ideals?