Captina Conservancy's mission is to promote, preserve and protect the biodiversity, the natural beauty, and the environmental health of the Captina Creek and regional watersheds through:
- Building an effective organization that can carry out its mission for generations to come.
- Generating a growing group of members/supporters/volunteers to sustain the work.
- Educating the public about the value of the watershed and thus the need to protect it; while helping them understand how to as well.
- Presenting our mission to landowners; informing them of the possible benefits of agricultural and/or conservation easements.
- Working with all stakeholders in the watershed to protect and preserve its integrity.
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 2010, Captina Conservancy is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) land trust based in Barnesville, Belmont County, Ohio, with a focus on conserving and protecting the Captina Creek and regional watersheds.
Why Captina Creek?
Captina Creek is one of the most pristine streams in Ohio. It is a precious resource that we in the watershed have appreciated, but largely taken for granted, for decades.
After completing a biological and water quality study, the Ohio EPA designated Captina Creek an Exceptional Warm Water Habitat; and it is among the highest of any watershed in the state. Captina Creek is also home to the only known breeding population in Ohio of the Eastern Hellbender Salamander, which is listed as an endangered species in Ohio.
Why Captina Creek?
Captina Creek is one of the most pristine streams in Ohio. It is a precious resource that we in the watershed have appreciated, but largely taken for granted, for decades.
After completing a biological and water quality study, the Ohio EPA designated Captina Creek an Exceptional Warm Water Habitat; and it is among the highest of any watershed in the state. Captina Creek is also home to the only known breeding population in Ohio of the Eastern Hellbender Salamander, which is listed as an endangered species in Ohio.
milestones
FOUNDED: 2010
ACRES UNDER CONSERVATION EASEMENT: 1,353
ACRES UNDER STEWARDSHIP: 124
ACRES UNDER OWNERSHIP: 350
ACRES UNDER CONSERVATION EASEMENT: 1,353
ACRES UNDER STEWARDSHIP: 124
ACRES UNDER OWNERSHIP: 350
What Is A Land Trust?
A land trust is an independent nonprofit organization that actively works with landowners who are interested in protecting open space to conserve land by undertaking or assisting in land or conservation easement acquisition, or by its stewardship of such land or easements.
Land trusts are very closely tied to the communities in which they operate. They understand the concerns of the community and the needs of the landowners. Land trusts can purchase land for permanent protection, or they may use one of several other methods: accept donations of land or the funds to purchase land, accept a bequest, or accept the donation of a conservation easement, which permanently limits the type and scope of development that can take place on the land. In some instances, land trusts also purchase conservation easements. In addition, land trusts' nonprofit tax status brings a variety of tax benefits. Donations of land, conservation easements or money may qualify you for income or gift tax savings. And since land trusts are private organizations, they can be more flexible and creative in conservation options than the public agencies can in saving land.
(compilation of FAQs: Land Trust, Coalition of Ohio Land Trusts website)
Land trusts are very closely tied to the communities in which they operate. They understand the concerns of the community and the needs of the landowners. Land trusts can purchase land for permanent protection, or they may use one of several other methods: accept donations of land or the funds to purchase land, accept a bequest, or accept the donation of a conservation easement, which permanently limits the type and scope of development that can take place on the land. In some instances, land trusts also purchase conservation easements. In addition, land trusts' nonprofit tax status brings a variety of tax benefits. Donations of land, conservation easements or money may qualify you for income or gift tax savings. And since land trusts are private organizations, they can be more flexible and creative in conservation options than the public agencies can in saving land.
(compilation of FAQs: Land Trust, Coalition of Ohio Land Trusts website)
Five-Year Strategic Plan
One of the Conservancy’s undertakings in FY2020 was to develop and approve a Five-Year Strategic Plan. The elements of the Five-Year Plan allow Captina Conservancy to stay focused on its mission, grow in a sustainable way, and continue to serve the needs of the watershed and the community.
Elements of the Five-Year Plan include specific goals and action items to meet those goals, such as:
The plan will be regularly revisited to ensure goals are being met, and adjustments are made where needed.
Elements of the Five-Year Plan include specific goals and action items to meet those goals, such as:
- Develop and implement a financial plan
- Target land transactions on high priority areas: immediately adjacent to Captina Creek or other major water bodies, contiguous to other properties already owned by the Conservancy, large contiguous parcels
- Community engagement: through a sound communication plan, strengthening existing partnerships and developing new partnerships, and continued community outreach
- Strengthen administration: Organizing and upkeeping records and records policies and procedures, stabilizing staff positions, and more.
- Achieve accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance
The plan will be regularly revisited to ensure goals are being met, and adjustments are made where needed.
Organizational records
Records are available by contacting Ellie Ewing, the Executive Director, at ellie@captina.org.
Contact us
Email
contact@captina.org
Phone Number
740-238-3415
*Please note we are away from the office frequently to conduct field events. It may be several days before your phone call will be returned.
Mailing Address
Post Office Box 318, Barnesville, OH 43713
Office Address
998 Shamrock Drive, 2nd floor, Barnesville, OH 43713
contact@captina.org
Phone Number
740-238-3415
*Please note we are away from the office frequently to conduct field events. It may be several days before your phone call will be returned.
Mailing Address
Post Office Box 318, Barnesville, OH 43713
Office Address
998 Shamrock Drive, 2nd floor, Barnesville, OH 43713
LEARN MORE
Discover our dedicated team, stay up-to-date on news, and explore the Captina Creek watershed.
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