As we are all aware, life during the COVID-19 pandemic is full of unknowns and constantly evolving.  Information we receive one day may not be relevant the next. The constantly changing landscape of information has been difficult to navigate. Because of and despite these realities, Legacy remains vigilant in monitoring all communications from the governor’s office in order to keep our staff and the public safe on Legacy preserves.

Executive Order 2020-77, which was released on May 8, allows “workers who perform work that is traditionally and primarily performed outdoors” to resume activities while adhering to enhanced social-distancing rules and protective measures.

In accordance with this order and after careful consideration, Legacy will be resuming some of our most important stewardship activities as they pertain to preserve management and easement monitoring. The health and safety of our staff, volunteers, and the public remains our first priority. We have stressed to all personnel that participation in field work is a choice to be made by individuals and families and not an expectation. Legacy understands that choice can change at any time with no need for explanation.  

Guided by the “MI Safe Start” plan, we have put into place specific procedures to ensure the health and safety of all field personnel. In the spirit of transparency, those who will be participating in stewardship activities with Legacy going forward will at minimum:

*Practice social distancing at all times
*Travel separately to their work sites (unless they are members of the same household)
*Use masks and hand sanitizer to manage situations where social distancing is not possible; Legacy will provide reusable cloth masks, and hand sanitizer to all field staff and volunteers
*Not share tools and materials; on the rare occasion tools or materials must be shared, Legacy staff will thoroughly clean equipment between uses.
*Refrain from power tool use

During these uncertain times, Legacy remains committed to our mission and serving our community. Because the COVID-19 pandemic is a very complex and dynamic situation, we are staying nimble and will continue to adapt our activities and our procedures in response to new information. The health, safety, and well-being of all those involved with Legacy will always come first.