Gathering Waters Conservancy

Thank you to everyone who filled out our 2011 Member Survey. With the recent approval of our new strategic plan, we have been investing in the development of new and enhanced forms of communications in order to more effectively (and economically) communicate with you, our members and supporters. By asking a few questions about our programming and communications, we have been able to improve our strategies to strengthen Wisconsin’s land trust community.

Overwhelmingly, our members told us they belonged to their local land trust.  As the land trust movement continues to grow and land trusts become well-known, valued community institutions, we hope to see this even more.  We heard from people across the state about the need to protect areas like the Mead Wildlife Area and Interstate State Park. You told us that these special places are essential as much for their sheer beauty as for their accessibility and the quality of life they provide. 

Our respondents were mainly motivated to support Gathering Waters and other environmental groups by a desire to preserve the land and natural resources for future generations.  It was great to see so many of you showing support for our major policy efforts on the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and the Working Lands Initiative.

A large portion of our survey was dedicated to analyzing our communications.  Over the past year, we have  invested significant time and resources in updating our communication tools, including our website and e-communication  methods.  Our paper newsletter, CrossCurrents, is still the most common way for people to keep up with Gathering Waters; however, more than half of our respondents are getting their information about us from either our website or our periodic e-mail updates.

Gatheringwaters.org has become a place for you to get the latest info on conservation policies - something that became particularly essential throughout the State Budget process.  You told us that our website is a great tool for information on our upcoming events and for finding out about land trust events through our Parade of Preserves.  It is also a great way for you to connect with and get information about land trusts near you.

Throughout the responses, there was a consistent message that the challenges you identified align very well with some of our strongest qualities. It was clear that changing political attitudes toward conservation and the ever-present budget concerns were on people’s minds.

We heard that Gathering Waters would need to make use of its statewide reach and role as a strong advocate for policies affecting land trusts. You made it known that the changes in land trust funding and incentives will make our job harder, but also more important. Because of this, our ability to bring together many diverse interests to support common goals is needed now more than ever. 

Gathering Waters will use the information you've provided as we move forward with our new suite of communications tools.  Your input is incredibly valuable to us as we further develop our outreach program.  We appreciate your survey feedback and welcome your comments at any time. To provide input on our programming and communications, please contact our office.

photo by Courtney Laper