Message from TLC

As an organization, TLC has dared mighty things and has succeeded where others may have failed. Over the past year, however, our financial circumstances have not allowed us to achieve all we might want to. Three months ago, we began a restructuring process that will allow us to create a solid foundation from which we can once again save the special places we all care about. But we need your support during this transition to make the vision a reality.

Since our inception in 1997, TLC has taken pride in the fact we are an organization that stands up for the protection of B.C.’s most special places. We have quickly and effectively purchased properties of natural, cultural and agricultural significance when others said it was impossible. We have worked with local people and communities to save more than 300 properties throughout B.C. We could not have accomplished so much without the generous and heartfelt support from our members and donors.

We have faced difficult financial situations before, but the current economic situation demands we take an innovative and bold look at the way we do everything.

We are now in a period of transition. We have already taken many steps over the past few months to address the ongoing financial challenges, including: making significant cutbacks in staffing and operations; moving our head office; reorganizing and streamlining operating and governance practices; refocusing our priorities; and concentrating on core functions and revenue generating activities. These changes have reduced the size and scope of the organization while we get TLC on a sustainable footing.

Currently, we are working together on a sustainability plan to:

• Rebuild TLC and the public trust in our management of finances
• Eliminate short-term debt
• Cap long-term debt and reduce it over time
• Reduce operational and management costs
• Build on membership as core foundation for operational costs
• Monitor and maintain properties to highest standards and where unable to, find the best options for managing these properties.

The sustainability plan has two phases. Phase One is a short-term transition phase which has already been initiated as of June 2012 to immediately cap short-term debt and bring operational costs down. Phase Two will include research and development of a long-term plan, initiated after the 2012 AGM with the intention of presenting it to the membership at the 2013 AGM. The plan will be put into place by a working committee of Board and staff and will include consultation with members, partners, professionals, and comprise of research from best practices around the world when it comes to conservation to meet our goal of long-term sustainability. We have been invited to work in collaboration with other land trusts across B.C. to find the best co-operative management/ownership models for the protection of our lands. We want you to be part of this conversation.

This year’s AGM has been moved to November 3, 2012 in order to enable us to report more fully to the membership about these steps and to solicit feedback.

As we make these changes, we must also raise the funds needed to survive during this transition. As a member and donor, you have shown that you believe in what TLC has accomplished over the last 15 years. You have shown that you care about the health and well-being of your children, grandchildren and your community. Now we need you to stand with us as we build a stronger foundation for the future.

Your support through this transition is critical. First, we need your ideas on how to make the organization a leader in sustainability. Second, we need you to help eliminate the capped short- term debt, so we can get quickly back into the job of saving places. Finally, your continued membership is also vital to us and will provide the basis for a sustainable future—so ask your friends to join us and together we can continue the vision of TLC protecting B.C.’s special places forever, for everyone.

Sincerely,