Are you interested in being a volunteer leader working to advance land conservation across Massachusetts? MLTC is seeking nominations for volunteers to serve on its Board of Trustees, or as non-governing members of its Public Policy, Finance, Development, or Governance Committees. We’re looking for folks with skills, experience, time and energy to help advance MLTC’s Strategic Plan. Board members are elected to 3-year terms at MLTC’s annual meeting each June.....
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Join the Land Trust Alliance for a timely policy update addressing critical developments affecting land trusts. With a new Congress and administration, in addition to recent IRS updates to Treasury regulations, there's a lot to unpack. Hear the latest insights from Lori Faeth, Senior Director of Government Relations, and Diana Norris, Conservation Defense Network and Tax Manager, and get your questions answered.
Congress is currently debating an extension to the Farm Bill that may include disaster relief for producers affected by hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters, as well as economic assistance to farmers. There is bipartisan support for incorporating the remaining Farm Bill conservation title Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding into this extension. Totaling approximately $13 billion, this money would help protect funding while also increasing baseline funding going forward. MLTC encourages you to reach out to your Congressional Representatives ASAP and ask that they urge leadership to include the remaining conservation funding from the IRA in any extension of the Farm Bill....
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Land protection staff should possess a good working knowledge of the various tax benefits associated with the types of land acquisitions. We cannot give legal or tax advice, but we can expose landowners to these concepts and potential strategies. Most landowners want to preserve their property because they love it…but tax breaks are a great incentive to get them to follow through. In this one-hour Zoom session we will touch on local, state and federal types of tax savings. We will also provide an interactive tax worksheet as a takeaway for attendees to use on their own. Q. If you are a low income landowner with a high value property, what is the best way to donate it and maximize tax benefits?If you know how these tax benefits all work together, you will know the right answer. The workshop will be led by Rob Warren and Mark Robinson who have more than 80 years total experience working with hundreds of landowners.
The focus topic this quarter will be "Stewardship Management & Recordkeeping Tools". Share your experiences and/or bring questions for your AVLT colleagues. Last quarter's call on Databases was especially engaging, so join us this month for another "tech" talk. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. This call will not be recorded.
EEA has posted draft regulations to govern implementation of An Act Preserving Open Space in the Commonwealth (often referred to as the Public Lands Protection Act, or PLPA). To help those considering submitting comments, MLTC is hosting a discussion about the draft regs on Monday, December 16 at 2:00 pm.
Hybrid
Zoom and MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) will hold a public hearing on proposed new regulations authorized by chapter 274 of the Acts of 2022, An Act to Preserve Open Space in the Commonwealth.
EEA has posted draft regulations to govern implementation of An Act Preserving Open Space in the Commonwealth (often referred to as the Public Lands Protection Act, or PLPA). There is a short comment period, with comments due by 5:00 pm Wednesday, January 22. Comments will also be accepted at a hybrid in-person and virtual public hearing at 1:00 pm Tuesday, December 17. Click the title of this summary to register for the hearing and see the draft regs and additional information.
To help those considering submitting comments, MLTC is hosting a discussion about the draft regs on Monday, December 16 at 2:00 pm. Click the title of this summary to get the registration link.
Each year, The Trustees presents the Charles Eliot Award to recognize an individual or organization that has made a profound and lasting impact on conservation in Massachusetts. MLTC is deeply honored to be named the 2024 recipient of this prestigious award on behalf of our dedicated staff, Board, and Advisory Council, both past and present. We look forward to continuing our work alongside land trusts and our partners to protect the natural landscapes across Massachusetts. Thank you again to The Trustees for this distinguished recognition.
via Zoom
3-part series: Jan. 16, 23, 30, 4 - 5 p.m. EXCEPT Jan. 23 is 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
This three-part series will provide information, tools, and peer support to help land trusts understand how they could manage lands under their direct stewardship in ways that mitigate and/or adapt to current and projected climate change impacts. The goal is to provide examples and manageable, actionable suggestions that may already be in their toolboxes to build confidence to tackle the challenge.
