By preserving and consolidating those statements which met with consensus, we arrived at a document which was a reflection of the whole group. It enabled us to move forward much more smoothly, and it became the tangible basis for all further interpretation of our ideals into a legal document. The Legal Mechanism Especially in the beginning, the question arose of the need for a legal document at all. Some asked why we couldn't trust ourselves and those who followed to act responsibly out of their own judgment and conscience. Of the legal choices considered by Summerfield, one was the tried and proven conservation easement.
Ownership is retained, and if the land is sold, the restrictions apply to the new owner.
At Summerfield we chose, however, to create a Stewardship Covenant with a Reversionary Interest. This stewardship covenant enabled us to construct guidelines which contained responsibilities as well as restrictions. The Reversionary Interest part meant the inclusion of a second party to whom the ownership would revert if we failed to fulfill our responsibility as stewards. Having this second group broadens our frame of reference, and we've come to regard them more as a godparent than a policeman. We've also provided in our document for the possibility of changing or amending guidelines so long as both parties agree.