Following the Spring Island model, Balsam Mountain Preserve will use naturalists to help educate members regarding the special ecology and flora and fauna of their surroundings. Marsh said that policies would be in place with respect to human-wildlife interactions. No policy has been established at Balsam Mountain yet, but concern over bears has been discussed. Garbage cans will undoubtedly have to be bear proof and bird feeding will have to be addressed, Marsh said. There will be stringent architectural and landscaping covenants.
Membership is a self-selecting process.
People who love the land and buy into the preservation concept are the ones who will own property in Balsam Mountain. These are also people who want to share, who want a good relationship with the community. The preserve will be private and usage practices will change, but Balsam Mountain Preserve, like Spring Island is dedicated to sharing this valuable resource in a format that is manageable. School groups and private groups will be encouraged to schedule time to explore the preserve with a naturalist. According to Marsh, the golf course at Spring Island exceeds all Audubon guidelines and is part of the National Audubon program.