The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS) is committed to responsible governance, ethical oversight, and transparency in how we operate as a nonprofit organization.

This page provides information about how LHCOS is governed, how decisions are made, and how accountability is maintained. It exists to help the public understand the structure and oversight behind our work.

Organizational Oversight

LHCOS is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for strategic direction, financial oversight, and policy approval. The Board ensures that the organization operates in alignment with its mission and complies with applicable nonprofit regulations.

Board members serve without compensation and act in the best interest of the organization and the animals it supports.

Governance Framework

LHCOS operates under a defined governance framework that includes:

  • Board-approved bylaws
  • Conflict of interest standards
  • Codes of conduct
  • Program oversight procedures

These structures guide how decisions are made and how authority is exercised within the organization.

Operational rules, participation requirements, and program standards are documented separately on the Policies & Governance page.

Board of Directors

LHCOS’s Board of Directors provides leadership and oversight for the organization. Board responsibilities include:

  • Setting strategic priorities
  • Approving policies and programs
  • Providing financial oversight
  • Ensuring compliance with nonprofit obligations

A current list of board members is maintained below or linked from this page.

Nonprofit Status

The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society is a registered nonprofit organization. Information regarding nonprofit status, filings, and required disclosures is available upon request or through publicly accessible records.

Financial Stewardship

LHCOS is committed to responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to it.

Financial oversight includes:

  • Board review of financial activity
  • Use of funds in alignment with mission-driven programs
  • Periodic reporting to the Board of Directors

Where available, annual summaries or year-in-review materials are provided to the public.

Meetings and Review Cadence

The Board of Directors meets on a regular schedule to conduct organizational business, review programs, and address governance matters.

Certain decisions, including program authorizations and verification matters, are reviewed on a scheduled basis to ensure consistency and fairness.

Relationship to Policies & Governance

Transparency & Governance explains how LHCOS is overseen and held accountable.

Specific rules, standards, and participation requirements are documented on the Policies & Governance page, which serves as the authoritative index of LHCOS policies.

Commitment to Accountability

Transparency is an ongoing practice. LHCOS reviews its governance structures periodically and updates them as the organization grows and evolves.

Questions regarding governance or accountability may be directed through official contact channels.