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Conservancy did not let this oversight fall aside, and remained vocal with the City until it was finally resolved. The Tri-Valley Conservancy understands that there is some balance needed in its monitoring of conservation easements, and ensures that its duties are fulfilled while the concerns of property owners are also addressed. For example, at this same development, for some time the developer's agents had become very upset with a member of the Tri-Valley Conservancy's Boazd of Directors, who had been openly critical of aspects of the Ruby Hill project when it was seeking entitlements. After this board member had participated in some of the early monitoring visits, the developer specifically asked that that member not be allowed on the property for future visits. While at first the Tri-Valley Conservancy explained that the member did not visit the site alone, and that other monitors, as well as photos, etc., documented any findings, in face of heated opposition and claims of bias, the Conservancy selected another monitor after internal discussion at the Conservancy and with the City. This demonstrates that the Tri-Valley Conservancy is pragmatic and professional in carrying out its monitoring services, and likely preserved its reputation for fairness and accuracy among area property owners considering projects that require conservation easements. At the Ruby Hill development, the Tri-Valley Conservancy also receives an impact fee paid by the property owner to the City as a new home is built. This is a flat fee, not based on specific cultivatable acreage lost because of that home, but was instead set based on development-wide impacts. Again, the Tri-Valley Conservancy, while receiving pass-through fees collected by the City from both Ruby Hill and the Specific Plan area, does not give the City any favorable consideration. For example, when the Tri-Valley Conservancy prepared its detailed, interactive maps of both current conservation lands and easements, as well as regional azeas of interest, the Conservancy charged the City for the number of copies requested by the City, demonstrating cazeful fiscal management, as well as a policy of treating all persons similarly. Conclusion. Based on nearly fifteen years of experience working closely with the Tri- Valley Conservancy for the establishment of agricultural conservation easements, open space easements, and their monitoring, the City of Pleasanton gives its recommendation, without reservation, that the Conservancy be accredited by the Land Trust Alliance. The Tri-Valley Conservancy has demonstrated technical expertise, fairness, sound governance, and fulfillment of its mission to protect the public's trust in the preservation and stewardship of lands for agriculture and open space within Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon and Sunol. If you have any questions, please contact me or Nelson Fialho, City Manager, at (925) 931-5002. Sincerely, Jennifer Hosterman Mayor