Orenda's Sanctuary Stewardship Policies

1. All wildlife sanctuaries are to be held and protected in perpetuity. If Orenda Wildlife Land Trust ceases to be an organization, all properties and assets are to pass to other non-profit organizations who hold the same philosophy regarding the protection of wildlife and wildlife sanctuaries. (The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) may be named as successor if the donor wishes to have an organization specifically identified.)
2. Orenda Wildlife Land Trust will respect the wishes of the donor in relation to donated property. The donor must give consent to plans for alternative use(s).
3. Donors will be asked to name the sanctuary. (If a donor does not wish to do so, the Board of Trustees will suggest a name for the donor's approval.) A sign with the sanctuary name will be installed when the sanctuary is dedicated.
4. All sanctuary boundaries will be posted with Orenda signs that state Orenda's restrictions (i.e. no hunting or trapping). Neighbors and abutters will be informed that Orenda properties are wildlife sanctuaries and will be advised of these restrictions.
5. Orenda Wildlife Sanctuaries will be maintained primarily for the benefit of the wild animals and plants that inhabit them. Human use is to be minimal but the following activities may be allowed unless otherwise prohibited by the wishes of a donor, or by deed restrictions:
   • Release sites for wild animals being returned to the wild.

   • Limited study and/or photography of wildlife or plants.

   • Installation of enhancements to provide better habitat for wildlife, such as birdhouses.

   • Wildlife rehabilitation and education on those properties where donors have given permission for such activities.

   • When appropriate, the presence of a caretaker(s) to prevent misuse/damage of sanctuaries and/or to perform stewardship activities.

   • With the consent of the donor and the approval of the Board of Trustees, existing buildings may be rehabilitated for use as caretaker accommodations or educational facilities. If appropriate, new construction may be considered for these purposes as well, with the approval of the donor and the Board. However, keeping the sanctuaries as wild as possible will continue to be the primary goal.

6. The following activities are prohibited on all sanctuaries:
   • Hunting, trapping, or fishing of any kind.

   • Misuse, abuse, or removal of animals and plants of any type.

   • Construction or development, except as outlined above.

   • Use of pesticides or other chemicals destructive to the environment; only organic fertilizers (i.e. manure) may be used. Pest control may be allowed for structures used by humans.

   • New road or trail construction, except to provide access to buildings and/or wildlife care stations, or to accommodate special requests approved by the donor and Board of Trustees. Whenever possible, existing paths should be used.

   • Tree cutting, except on a limited basis to create better habitats or in special circumstances approved by the Board of Trustees. Trimming of vegetation will be limited to trail and road maintenance.

   • Human recreational activities except for certain educational purposes, such as photography and species counts.

7. The sanctioned and prohibited activities listed in #5 and #6 above are general guidelines that apply to all sanctuaries. In addition, property management plans that address the specific characteristics, needs and uses of each individual sanctuary may be developed and implemented.
8. All sanctuaries will be visited and inspected at least annually by a representative of Orenda. A brief inspection report will be completed by the representative and reviewed by the Land Committee, who will formulate any necessary action plans. In addition, any illegal dumping, vandalism, or other destruction of the sanctuary will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
   

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