VINALHAVEN LAND TRUST

Strategic Plan | 2026 – 2031

Our Mission 

Vinalhaven Land Trust conserves and stewards our island’s important natural, recreational and agricultural resources, including scenic and other traditionally valued places, for the benefit and enjoyment of the entire Vinalhaven community. Through education and engagement, VLT seeks to advance understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

Mission Statement:

VALUES STATEMENT

VLT values the natural resources of Vinalhaven‍ ‍
They provide varied habitats, recharge the island’s aquifer, and enhance the community’s resilience in the face of climate change.

VLT values connecting people to the island’s lands.
We work to provide public access to protected properties, and to engage community members in understanding and appreciating the ecological value and beauty of those lands through programs and experiences for all.

VLT values those who live on, visit, and love Vinalhaven.
We strive to be reliable and trusted partners in strengthening community well-being and to be worthy of continued volunteer and gift support of VLT.

VLT values belonging, inclusivity and access, diversity and equity.
Our conservation mission is best advanced by giving voice and opportunity to people of all backgrounds, ages, beliefs and cultures.

VLT values adherence to the highest ethical and professional standards.
We hold ourselves accountable to our mission and to the community, in perpetuity.

Strategic Plan 2026–2031

The following four strategic priorities define where Vinalhaven Land Trust will focus its energy and resources over the next five years. Each priority includes a set of specific goals and strategies that will guide annual work planning, budgeting, and performance evaluation.

 Goal #1 ENHANCE LAND MANAGEMENT & STEWARDSHIP

Vinalhaven Land Trust will do more with VLT’s protected properties by providing new opportunities for understanding and accessing the land through recreation and strategic decision-making.

Strategies

  • Embrace up-to-date evidence-based approaches and the latest technology to manage protected properties and steward VLT easements, monitoring climate change effects and adapting land management strategies as conditions evolve.

  • Connect more people to the land by looking for opportunities to increase community benefit, delivering meaningful positive impacts while preserving conservation values.

  • Enhance public access, working collaboratively with landowners and other organizations, and continue making trails user-friendly for people with a wide array of abilities.

 

Goal #2 BUILD UPON LAND CONSERVATION EFFORTS

VLT will continue to selectively and strategically protect parcels of land with high natural resource, scenic and working landscape values, and by undertaking projects with the most beneficial community outcomes in mind.

Strategies

  • Augment VLT’s ‘Whole Place’ conservation protection when possible and encourage private conservation to complement our efforts.

  • Further water resource protection.

  • Identify and support shorefront access for the community.

 

Goal #3 ENGAGE WITH OUR COMMUNITIES

Maintain our resolute commitment to connecting people with place and each other in ways that are welcoming, that will generate new opportunities for more people to get involved with VLT, and that will build additional support for conservation in general.

Strategies:

  • Build on communications strategies to reach our constituencies, including year-round and seasonal residents of all ages. Continue to use a wide variety of methods and media to connect the community to the benefits of our protected properties.

  • In collaboration with partners whenever feasible, offer a variety of learning opportunities, both onisland and virtual, to our stakeholders.

  • Continue working collaboratively with Vinalhaven School and others, expand VLT’s support of K-12 education, both during and after school. Develop stewardship and conservation education teaching resources.

  • Through signage, walks and outreach, share information about Vinalhaven’s flora and fauna and natural history

 

Goal # 4 Strengthen Our Organization

Develop our staff and board to their fullest capacity, ensuring VLT is always well-staffed and well-managed, welcomes and celebrates volunteers, and plans for long-term financial stability and organizational sustainability.

Strategies:

  • Strengthen the Board’s knowledge and governance skills and enhance overall Board effectiveness, level of engagement and satisfaction

  • Balance staffing and volunteer capacity and ensure their adequacy. Invest in staff and volunteer development. Design an orderly succession process for key staff and volunteers.

  • Plan for long term financial security including developing and broadening the focus of our development efforts, emphasizing attention to members, continued growth of annual giving, special-purpose fund-raising, capital and planned giving, growing our endowment and donor relationship cultivation.

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

This plan is the result of a great deal of hard work by many people. Sincere thanks and appreciation goes out to staff and board members who served on Vinalhaven Land Trust’s Strategic Refresh Committee during the Spring of 2026. This refreshed strategic plan builds on the comprehensive and excellent work of the 2020 Strategic Plan Committee. Heartfelt thanks to all for producing a blueprint that will guide the work of VLT and help us meet the challenges to come.

Download a Copy VINALHAVEN LAND TRUST Strategic Plan | 2026 – 2031