Mapping Our Future: A Strategic Path to Navigate Shifting Sands

In the world of land conservation, we deal in "forever." When we protect a ranch or a wetland, we aren’t just looking at the next few seasons; we are looking at the next few centuries. Permanent conservation requires flexibility and resilience to weather the difficulties facing us: unprecedented growth and development, shifting federal priorities and reduced funding from federal sources, all combined with an ever-increasing population.

To ensure we will keep doing right by you, our supporters, doing right for the watershed, and continuing to be reliable to our partners throughout the watershed, our Board of Directors recently drafted and approved a new set of strategic goals to focus on from 2026 - 2030. This plan is our roadmap for the coming years, focusing on two main areas: Organizational Resilience and Mission Continuity. Pursuing these goals will give us a wider root network throughout our community, helping us remain more relevant while reducing our reliance on any single source of funding.

Photo Credit: Shauna Hart

Goal Area 1: Building a Resilient Organization

Diversifying Our Funding: While federal grants are vital to our work, long-term stability means moving beyond a single source. We are focused on broadening our support to include state, local, and private funding to ensure our operations are never at risk.

Investing in Our People: Our mission is carried out by highly-trained, dedicated professionals. By addressing staff capacity and preventing burnout, we are ensuring that the expertise and relationships built by our team stay within the organization.

Strengthening Board Leadership: We are committed to recruiting and retaining a Board of Directors that brings the vision and energy needed to lead a modern land trust. If you are interested in learning more about board service, please reach out!

Deepening Community Roots: BRLC exists for the community. We are doubling down on our efforts to increase local awareness and participation, ensuring our work is relevant to everyone who calls Northern Utah home. Keep your eye out for engaging events and exciting collaborations!

Goal Area 2: Ensuring Mission Continuity

While we work toward diversifying our funding and preparing for the future, we are also focused on keeping our commitments and finishing the projects we are committed to, ensuring that they are completed to the highest standards. BRLC has worked hard to achieve our track record of success, and our second goal area ensures that our conservation impact never wavers.

Targeted Conservation: We aren't just protecting any land; we are focusing our resources on the highest-priority areas that provide the greatest benefit to our watershed and heritage.

Stewardship Excellence: Conservation doesn’t end when the paperwork is signed. We are committed to the highest standards of monitoring and stewardship. We will continue to maintain positive and healthy relationships with our project partners and landowners to ensure the lands we protect are cared for forever.

Cultivate Partnerships: We know we can’t do this alone. By leveraging our partnerships with other local conservation organizations, we extend our reach and maximize our impact.

Our Commitment to You

Our strategic plan is an important tool to ensure our work stays on track and that our organization moves forward in a coordinated way. These goals will help us create a stable future where BRLC remains relevant and effective. We look forward to keeping you updated as we put these goals into action!

Want to get involved?

Learn more about our current projects and how you can support our mission by visiting our “Support Our Work” page or by contacting us.