eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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| November 20 2024, Volume 22, Number 11 |
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Drone image taken by Pete Westover of newly conserved parcel and Lebanon Brook Pond. 165.5 Acres Protected in Southbridge MA
Opacum Land Trust recently announced that it will be managing a newly conserved property, the Robert F. and Jeanne R. Para Family Preserve. This achievement was made possible through the support of the Town of Southbridge, the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The conservation of this 165.5-acre parcel, which borders the Cohasse Brook Reservoir, ensures the protection of both local biodiversity and the town’s freshwater supply. Looking ahead, Opacum Land Trust plans to create a parking area and public trails, allowing visitors to explore and enjoy this newly protected area. Learn more.
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Consider supporting MLTC's efforts to inform, connect, and advocate for the Massachusetts land conservation community. Your donation of any amount is appreciated! |
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| A beautiful day to check out the view of Richardson Farm, a private farm protected by an APR held by Belmont Land Trust with support from American Farmland Trust. #OurMassLandTrusts |
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MLTC is Honored to Receive the 2024 Charles Elliot Award
Each year, The Trustees presents the Charles Elliot 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.
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Pictured left to right: Katie Theoharides (TTOR), Vidya Tikku (MLTC Board/TTOR), Barbara Chrenko (MLTC Staff), Anna Wilkins (MLTC Board/North County Land Trust), Buzz Constable (MLTC Board) |
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Nominate Your Exemplary Project for MLTC’s Excellence in Conservation Award
Nomination deadline: Tuesday December 10
The Excellence in Conservation Award recognizes a specific project completed within the past two years which demonstrates excellence in any aspect of land conservation work, advances the cause of land conservation in a creative and substantive way, and/or serves as an inspiration for other conservation organizations in Massachusetts. Organizations may nominate themselves or others. The 2025 inaugural award will be presented during the plenary of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference on Friday, March 21, 2025. Details. Nomination form.
December 2024 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday December 13, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm, via Zoom
Land trust staff and board members as well as conservation partners are welcome to this quarterly meeting, featuring relevant news from state agencies, a timely update on state and federal policy matters, announcements, and this month’s featured topic: background and next steps on the $45.8 million in RCPP grants recently awarded to EEA and Mass Audubon (see News item below). These meetings are convened by MLTC's Partner Engagement Committee. Register.
Development Staff Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday January 16, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
The focus of this quarter's call will be a look back on 2024 fundraising successes & challenges, and to share plans for 2025. We'll also confirm interest in meeting in person over lunch at the Land Conservation Conference on Friday, March 21 at UMass Amherst. This call is part of MLTC's Stronger Together program. It will not be recorded. Register.
Climate-Informed Land Stewardship Series
Thursdays January 16 (4:00 - 5:00 pm), January 23 (3:30 - 4:30 pm), and January 30 (4:00 - 5:00 pm), via Zoom
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 tangible, manageable suggestions to build confidence to tackle the challenge. Cost for the whole series: $20 per organization for MLTC members, $35 per organization for non-members. Organizations may send multiple staff or board members for a single registration fee. Learn more. Register.
Land Protection Staff Topical Networking Zoom Wednesday January 29, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
The focus for the second meeting of this popular Land Protection networking group will be how organizations onboard and train new land conservation staff. This call is a forum for staff and Board members of land conservation organizations to learn from each other, so bring your questions and share your experiences. Conversation is fluid, so other topics of mutual interest may also be discussed. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series. This call will not be recorded. Register.
Save The Date: 2025 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference Friday March 21, in-person at UMass Amherst Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor!
A variety of sponsorship levels provide visibility for your organization to a live audience of nearly 500 – plus thousands more who see Conference publicity. Join us to show your organization's commitment to protecting our environment, habitats, and climate, and to support a great learning opportunity for the conservation community. View details.
Check Out Our Annual Report
We recently released our FY24 annual report, including a summary of our financial statements and list of supporters for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Thanks to everyone who contributed to a successful year!
Become a Part of Our Efforts
If you’ve enjoyed our programs or utilized our online resources this year, please consider making a year-end gift today to support our efforts for the coming year.
Connect With Us on Social Media! |
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Thank you to our generous Conference Sponsors! Platinum |
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Economic Development and Climate and Clean Energy Bills Pass
On November 14th, the state legislature at last passed two bills that had failed to advance before the formal session ended in July. The final omnibus climate bill (S.2967, An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity and protecting ratepayers) prioritizes clean energy and works to decarbonize our most polluting sectors. The Governor is expected to sign the bill before November 24. It includes provisions to:
- Accelerate the move away from natural gas toward electric heating and transportation alternatives while prioritizing community engagement and benefits
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Expedite the transition to clean energy infrastructure through consolidated state permitting for all state, regional, and local projects.
- Scale up clean energy storage and updating energy storage requirements.
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Ease the process for restoring wetlands that are subject to coastal or inland wetlands restrictions
- Reform and updating flood risk mapping
- Increase access to reliable electric vehicle charging
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Establish the Office of Environmental Justice and Equity to set new standards ensuring all have access to a clean environment.
The second bill (H.4804, An Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts' economic leadership), was signed by the Governor on November 20. Among many other economic development provisions, it includes transformative investments in climate tech, through a ten-year initiative to catalyze the development of technology to address the climate crisis. With federal climate action looking less likely in the next few years, Massachusetts' leadership on climate will take on increased importance.
Federal Election Results and Land Conservation
The results of the November election are likely to bring significant changes, some of which may impact land trusts and the broader environmental sector. To better understand the potential implications, we’ve sought insights from our partners—especially the Connecticut Land Conservation Council and Land Trust Alliance—to shed light on what we may see in the coming months. MLTC will continue to work closely with the Land Trust Alliance and other key partners to monitor developments and will share updates as warranted. Here is what we have heard so far:
Existing Funding Through the IRA: The funding already allocated through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is expected to remain secure, but deployment of funds could be slowed by additional reviews or reduced federal staffing levels.
Future Federal Funds for Conservation: Due to the finite nature of the IRA, we were already anticipating a reduction in federal funds for conservation and stewardship. The Land Trust Alliance is actively advocating for passage of the Farm Bill this year, as it provides most of the funding for critical USDA-NRCS programs. Passing it now would eliminate the need to negotiate year-by-year extensions. Regulatory Rollbacks: We can expect regulatory changes affecting various facets of environmental work, particularly around energy siting. Tax incentives for initiatives like electric vehicles and clean energy projects may be rolled back. Language and Framing: New policies may modify or eliminate references to climate change, the 30x30 initiative and environmental equity, with impacts on how environmental programs are framed and funded at the federal level.
With these and other changes that are likely ahead, our collective work at the state and local level takes on even greater importance. We are grateful for continued leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Massachusetts Legislature on climate and land conservation issues. The next state legislative session starts in January, and your participation and collective dedication will be critical in continuing our efforts to ensure that commitment deepens, and is robustly funded. Our conservation community will continue to make a significant difference —conserving natural and working lands, combating the impacts of the changing climate and biodiversity loss, connecting people with nature, and protecting the special places that define our communities and keep them healthy. Together we will navigate changes at the federal level and continue to make a positive impact all across Massachusetts. It’s what we have always done and will continue to do.
Mixed Election Results for CPA
On November 5th, Sheffield, Swampscott, Townsend, and Winchester all approved ballot measures to adopt the Community Preservation Act (CPA), bringing the total number of CPA municipalities in Massachusetts to 200. However, CPA adoption was not approved in Clarksburg, Colrain, Douglas, Halifax, Rutland, Sherborn, and Spencer. On November 13th, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) announced the latest distribution from the Community Preservation Trust Fund, totaling over $47 million for the 195 eligible communities. All participating CPA communities received an 18% match in the first round of distributions this year. Communities with the full 3% local property tax surcharge received a higher percentage match. Learn more.
Share Your Story on Heirs Property
MLTC is part of a coalition working to pass An Act relative to uniform partition of heirs property. To prepare for the bill's reintroduction in January, the coalition would like to hear from people who have been impacted by 'heirs property', which is real estate owned by the legal heirs of a previous owner when there is no will. If you know such parties, please share this flier and survey with them. The bill would institute new protections for heirs in such situations by requiring that co-tenants receive fair market value in any partition sale, and generally providing that co-tenants have an option to buy.
Global Conferences on Climate and Biodiversity
Leaders from around the world are convening in Azerbaijan through November 22 for the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, discussing global goals to address climate change. For The Nature Conservancy’s take on what needs to happen there, check out their Guide to the 2024 UN Climate Conference. Looming over the gathering is President-elect Trump's threat to withdraw the U.S. (for the second time) from the 2015 Paris climate accord, in which nearly 200 governments have made non-binding pledges to reduce their planet-warming pollution. President Biden had reversed Trump's 2020 withdrawal; withdrawing again would leave the U.S. as one of the world's only countries not a party to the agreement. Meanwhile, the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-16) was recently held in Columbia. See takeaways here. The U.S. is the only UN member state that has failed to ratify the Convention.
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Remembering Greg Bialecki (1960-2024)
MLTC is sad to share the untimely passing of Greg Bialecki on November 14th. From his earliest days as an attorney at Boston’s Hill & Barlow, Greg provided real estate and conservation counsel to the land trust universe in Massachusetts. Greg was the de facto general counsel of the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition from its founding until his 2007 appointment by Governor Deval Patrick as Undersecretary and subsequently Secretary of Housing and Economic Development. Greg was the student of, and in many ways the successor to, his former law partner Kingsbury Browne, for whom the Land Trust Alliance’s highest honor is named. Read more about Greg.
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Urgent Tax Law Update for Land Trusts
LTA Webinar: Thursday November 21, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
On October 8, 2024, the IRS issued new regulations that require land trusts to report certain transactions under a different category if they qualify as a "material advisor." These updated rules have important implications for land trusts involved in conservation easement or land donations from pass-through entities, such as partnerships or limited liability companies. To help navigate these changes, the Land Trust Alliance has created a valuable resource page and is hosting an informational webinar. The webinar is free for land trusts and their attorneys (use promo code TaxUpdate24 when registering). Registration is required, and the session will be recorded for later access. Learn more and register.
Massachusetts Secures Two Major USDA Grants for Conservation Projects
On October 23, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the recipients of $1.5 billion in federal funding through their Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The awards were funded through the Farm Bill and Inflation Reduction Act.
Mass Audubon received a $25 million grant to collaborate with local land trust partners in protecting over 10,000 acres of forests and wetlands within the Connecticut River watershed. The grant will also support the restoration of at least 100 acres of riparian and wetland habitats by removing dams and revitalizing floodplain forests. Additionally, the funding will enable the development of innovative approaches to measure and monitor the climate impacts of these conservation actions.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts was awarded nearly $21 million to provide permanent protection of farmlands, forests, and wetlands with an emphasis on environmental justice and equity, to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Massachusetts and make the state more resilient to climate hazards. Working with the Resilient Lands Conservation Coalition, EEA aims to support state agencies, land trusts and municipalities to accelerate the pace of land conservation statewide. The funded conservation work will introduce new easements that extend beyond traditional USDA options, aiming to help underserved farmers facing challenges.
Salary Report Offers Updated Insights for the Land Trust Community
The Land Trust Salaries and Benefits Survey Report, compiled from responses from organizations nationwide, provides valuable insights for the land trust community. The report covers a wide range of topics, including salaries by position, benefits, remote work trends, hiring and retention practices, demographics, and more. It’s an essential resource for land trusts making informed compensation decisions, as well as for individuals looking to negotiate their salaries. The full report is available at no cost to all Land Trust Alliance members.
Terrafirma Annual Membership Reminder
The 2025 Terrafirma annual membership renewal period will be open from December 1, 2024, to February 1, 2025. Memberships cannot be initiated or renewed outside of this timeframe. Please note that Terrafirma does not send renewal invoices; members must renew their coverage directly through the Terrafirma website. Email Tom Kester at tkester@lta.org with questions.
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Conservation GIS Workshop Series
Thursdays (November 21 and December 12), 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This series of four virtual workshops is for beginner to intermediate GIS users interested in building their conservation GIS skills. Topics will include GIS data and Cartography, Georeferencing & Data Creation, and Conservation & Climate Data Sources. Basic GIS skills and an active ArcGIS license are required for this workshop. Limited to 15 attendees. Hosted by the Wildlands Stewardship Training Center and Essex County Greenbelt. Apply. Learn more.
Conserving Mature and Old-growth Forests in a Changing Climate Thursdays November 21 and December 5, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
The Yale Forest Forum and the Society of American Foresters are offering this webinar series for federal agency staff, private foresters, forestry researchers, and forest advocacy organizations. It aims to showcase diverse approaches and strategies for advancing discussions on mature and old-growth forest management. Attendees will learn from Agency leadership, experts representing Tribal Nations, university researchers, and non-profits exploring core challenges to this effort. Learn more and register.
NEW! Understanding Remote Monitoring Principles and Limitations
Thursday November 21, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
This event is part of the Land Trust Alliance and Terrafirma's annual risk management webinar series. In this session, Naomi Brattlof will introduce remote monitoring practices that can increase efficiencies, reduce costs, build a long-term record of property changes, ensure program permanence and improve easement compliance and stewardship programs. Learn more and register.
NEW! Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Districts (MACD)
Monday November 25, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Learn about MACD's activities over the past year and their plans for the year ahead. All Conservation Districts are invited to provide a brief update on their recent work. MACD will spotlight its key partnering agencies, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), American Farmland Trust, and the Envirothon program. Zoom link.
NEW! Remembering the Earth As Our First Teacher: Wabanaki Land Rematriation Efforts
Wednesday December 4, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Alivia Moore, a member of the Penobscot Nation and co-founder of the Eastern Woodlands Rematriation Collective (EWR), will offer a Penobscot perspective on land justice. Her discussion will cover current rematriation efforts. This event is hosted by Harvard Forest. Email Emily Johnson at emilyjohnson@fas.harvard.edu with questions. Learn more. Zoom link.
NEW! Basic Risk Management - Tips from Terrafirma
Thursday December 5, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
This event is part of the Land Trust Alliance and Terrafirma's annual risk management webinar series. In this session, Leslie Ratley-Beach, Conservation Defense Director at the Land Trust Alliance and Vice President of Alliance Risk Management Services, will review trends from over 2,700 claims submitted over the past twelve years under Terrafirma Conservation Defense Liability Insurance. Learn more and register.
December 2024 Conservation Partners Meeting Friday December 13, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. NEW! Collaboration and Community-Building for Municipal Climate Action Wednesday December 18, 12:00 - 1:15 pm
MassECAN, in partnership with the MA Society for Municipal Conservation Professionals and Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program, is hosting a virtual networking event focused on fostering collaboration and community for local climate resilience. It’s more important than ever for municipal conservation and sustainability professionals to come together to advance climate resilience in our cities and towns. Register.
Future Aquatic Invaders of the Northeast Wednesday December 18, 4:00 pm
The Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC) is hosting a webinar to discuss research on how climate change is contributing to the spread of invasive freshwater aquatic species. These invasive species pose a serious threat to biodiversity and could have significant implications for the global economy. Learn more.
NEW! Basic Risk Management: Insurance 101
Thursday January 9, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
This event is part of the Land Trust Alliance and Terrafirma's annual risk management webinar series. In this session, Meghan Mullee, first vice president of Alliant Insurance Services, will provide a crash course on the basics of insurance coverage. Learn practical pointers on how to get the most out of your insurance coverage. Learn more and register.
Farm Business Planning Course Tuesdays January 14 - March 4, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
This beginner-friendly eight-week course is hosted by Tufts University in partnership with USDA and Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation. Participants will be guided on how to develop a written farm business plan that covers all the essential elements—from setting a vision and budget to crafting a marketing strategy and growth timeline. The course will also cover topics such as USDA resources and programs, operations and risk management, land access, and more. Learn more and register. Email Ben Zoba at benjamin.zoba@tufts.edu with questions.
Development Staff Quarterly Networking Zoom Thursday January 16, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. Climate-Informed Land Stewardship Series
Thursdays January 16 (4:00 - 5:00 p.m.), January 23 (3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.), and January 30 (4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.), via Zoom See details under MLTC News, above. Conservation in Action Certificate Program Tuesdays January 21- April 8, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Mass Audubon has introduced a new Conservation in Action Certificate Program, which offers insights into local land protection and habitat restoration initiatives. Participants will explore conservation challenges and learn effective strategies for advancing conservation policy. Learn more and register. NEW! Advanced Risk Management: Land Division Legal Challenges
Thursday January 23, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
This talk is part of the Land Trust Alliance and Terrafirma's annual risk management webinar series. In this session, Mike Okma, manager of easement stewardship at the accredited Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, and Sarah Sheeran, stewardship director at the accredited Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, will share strategies for addressing and resolving easement violations. Learn more and register.
Land Protection Staff Topical Networking Zoom Wednesday January 29, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. |
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In-Person Events and Outings |
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NEW! Agricultural Resource Fair Wednesday December 4, 1:00 - 5:00 pm, Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Ave, Phillipston MA
Mount Grace Conservation Trust is hosting an agricultural resource fair aimed at connecting the Massachusetts agricultural community with resources provided by non-profit agricultural stakeholders and government partners. Learn more. NEW! Bare Trees: Tree Identification in Winter
Thursday December 5, 10:00 am - 2:30 pm, 10 Juniper Road, Belmont MA
Join Boot Boutwell and MACC at Mass Audubon's Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary to learn how to identify different trees in winter conditions (without their leaves). Learn more and register. Open Space Conference Saturday December 7, 9:30 am - 2:15 pm, Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School, 565 Maple Street, Danvers MA
Essex County Greenbelt is hosting the 2024 Open Space Conference. This event offers a variety of workshops for municipal staff, board and committee members, and others who are engaged in land conservation and management. Workshop topics range from conservation and housing to trail building. Learn more and register.
NEW! Basic Chainsaw Skills for Trails
Saturday January 25 and Sunday January 26, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Wildlands Stewardship Training Center, Plymouth MA
Wildlands Trust is hosting this training to cover essential chainsaw safety, operation, and equipment maintenance. Participants will acquire foundational skills for managing tree-related challenges on trails. Day one will focus on Game of Logging Level 1, while day two will emphasize techniques for storm damage cleanup. Learn more and register.
MACC 2025 Annual Environmental Conference Saturday March 1, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester MA Join conservation commissioners and agents, environmental officials, consultants, attorneys, students, activists, and others at Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commission’s Annual Environmental Conference. Learn more. 2025 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference Friday March 21, 2025 in-person at UMass Amherst
See details under MLTC News, above. |
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For more information on the following grants and more, please visit our Grants Database.
Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Application deadline: Thursday November 21, 11:59 pm
These U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants will award approximately $2 billion to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. Eligible applicants are partnerships between two community-based non-profit organizations, and partnerships between such organizations and local governments or higher education institutions. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Dam Removal Preliminary Design Services
Application deadline: Friday November 22, 4:00 pm
The Mass Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is accepting applications from state municipalities to receive technical assistance for studies that will support landowners and partners in evaluating opportunities and challenges during the early planning stages of potential aquatic habitat restoration and climate resilience projects. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant (LWCF) Info Sessions:
Monday November 25, 11:00 am in-person at DFW Field Headquarters in Westboro Thursday December 5, 2:00 pm on Microsoft Teams
Application deadline: Thursday January 9, 3:00 pm
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program provides financial assistance to municipalities and the state’s Departments of Conservation and Recreation and Fish and Game for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Grant amounts range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $1,000,000. Eligible projects include the acquisition of parkland, the development of new parks, renovations to existing parks, the creation of trails within established conservation or recreation areas, and the acquisition of conservation land. Email Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov to RSVP to attend an info session. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Brighter Future Fund’s New England Regenerative Livestock Farming Grants
Application deadline: Friday November 29
The American Farmland Trust is offering grants to livestock farmers in select counties across Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut to support the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices. These funds are designated for field-based conservation projects that enhance soil health, water quality, and pollinator habitats. Eligible applicants may request up to $10,000. Learn more and apply.
NEW! AgEnhancement Grants
Application deadline: Sunday December 1, 5:00 pm
These Farm Credit East grants help organizations promote awareness of and strengthen agriculture, commercial fishing, and forest products. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to support efforts to foster and grow all types of agriculture, forest production, or commercial fishing, including traditional and nontraditional production and marketing approaches. Email AgEnhancement@FarmCreditEast.com with questions. Learn more and apply.
2024 SNAPP Request for Proposals Application deadline: Tuesday December 3
The Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) is offering a total of $1 million to support four to six teams tackling complex challenges related to food and water security, climate change, and energy. Eligible teams must be associated with academic institutions, government agencies, multilateral organizations, or nonprofit entities. Learn more.
NEW! Municipal Vulnerability Program (MVP 2.0) Planning Grants
Application deadline: Wednesday December 4, 4:00 pm
The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant provides support for communities in Massachusetts to identify climate hazards, assess vulnerabilities, and develop action plans to improve resilience to climate change. This next phase will expand participation, strengthen social resilience, and move beyond planning to actionable steps. Any MVP-designated municipality or eligible Tribe can apply for MVP 2.0 in the FY25 round. However, priority will be given to municipalities that are required to apply in this round. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Agricultural Cranberry Enhancement Program (ACEP)
Application deadline: Thursday December 12, 4:00 pm
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is offering grants to support the implementation of practices that improve environmental outcomes and stimulate economic growth in the cranberry sector. This reimbursement grant awards recipients up to 80% of total project costs, with a maximum award of $50,000. Email Laura Maul at Laura.Maul@massgov.com with questions. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Walmart Spark Good Grants Application deadline: Tuesday December 31
These Walmart Foundation grants provide funding from $250 to $5,000 to support initiatives that address the specific needs of the communities served by Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs, and Distribution Centers. Learn more and apply. T-Mobile Hometown Grants Application deadline: Tuesday December 31
T-Mobile is committing up to $25 million through 2026 to support communities with a population of less than 50,000. Hometown Grants fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your town. Projects should be shovel-ready, physical builds, or improvements that can be completed within 12 months of receiving Hometown Grants funding. Learn more and apply.
Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Forest Legacy Program Application deadline: Monday January 13
Three project types will be accepted: Large Landscape Projects (maximum request $50 million), State-Tribal Partnership Projects (maximum request $50 million), and Strategic Small-Tract Projects (maximum request $1.5 million). Each project proposal must be for land held in a single ownership that meets the FLP core-criteria as well as the special emphasis criteria. View the IRA Project Scoring Guidance for specific requirements for each project type. Email Lindsay Nystrom at lindsay.nystrom@mass.gov with questions. Learn more and apply.
Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program Application deadline: Monday January 13
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, State, Private & Tribal Forestry, is allocating a total of $600,000 to Native American Tribes, local governments, and conservation non-profit organizations. This funding is intended for projects that protect forestland from deforestation while providing community benefits such as public recreation, environmental and economic advantages, and educational programs focused on forestry. Email Neal Bungard at neal.bungard@usda.gov with questions. Learn more.
Farm-Pass: Farm Transfer Planning Assistance Program
Application deadline: rolling, but must be received by Wednesday January 15th for a March start date, or Tuesday April 15th for a June start date.
Note: Please do not apply through CommBuys, but click “file attachments” to get the application. Completed applications must be mailed to MDAR.
MDAR’s new Farm-Pass program will provide direct assistance to help Massachusetts farm owners pass their farm on to the next generation. This service is targeted to owners who have already identified a successor – either within the family or not – who is interested in owning and managing a commercial farm business on the farm property in the near future. This is a year-long, no-cost opportunity for farm owners, family members, and the identified successor to work one-on-one with an experienced, dedicated planner to create a customized farm transfer plan. Learn more and apply. Email Melissa Adams at Melissa.L.Adams@mass.gov or Laura Barley at Laura.Barley@mass.gov with questions.
NEW! Landscape Partnership Grants Info session: Tuesday January 28, 2:00 pm
Application deadline: Thursday April 3, 3:00 pm
These grants support efforts to protect large areas of conservation land. Maximum grant award is $1.25 million. Awarded applicants must document the use of funds, or contributions from other sources comprising at least 50% of total project cost. Local, state and federal government agencies, and non-profit groups can use this grant to work together to protect properties that meet the minimum acreage required based on county. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the info session. Learn more and apply. Email Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov to register for the info session.
NEW! Cornell Land Trust Small Grants
2025 RFP opens first week of January Application deadline: Saturday March 1, 11:59 pm
The Cornell Lab's Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative supports and amplifies bird conservation and land stewardship on private lands through its annual grant program. Approximately $260,000 total funding will be available to support up to 14 projects. Grant awards will range from $10,000 to $25,000. Email Sara Barker at sb65@cornell.edu with questions. Learn more and apply.
Land Conservation Assistance Program Application deadline: Friday April 11
This new state grant program offers funding to assist with completing land protection projects, including preparing grant applications, completing land transaction tasks, developing or updating a municipal Open Space and Recreation Plan, or planning for the development or renovation of a park. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Worcester County Green Fund Application deadline TBD
The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is in the initial stages of launching a new funding initiative dedicated to supporting local climate action efforts throughout the region. This fund will focus on supporting land trusts throughout Worcester County, MA, by providing capacity-building grants to strengthen their land conservation efforts and help establish a county-wide climate coalition. Learn more.
Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Partnership Grants Applications accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted
This program serves as a catalyst for new, creative programs and projects within 45 communities of the Heritage Area. Reimbursable matching grants are offered in support of the goals and objectives outlined in the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Management Plan, summarized as: Inclusive Storytelling; Education, Interpretation & Curation; Community Planning & Resource Conservation; Historic Preservation; and Regional Cultural Events. Funding ranges from $1,000 to $7,500. Discussion of your proposal with a grant specialist before applying is highly recommended. Learn more here and here.
The Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund
Applications accepted on a rolling basis; an inquiry must be submitted 60 days prior to submitting full proposal
The Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund is a matching grant program administered by the National Office of Trout Unlimited (TU) along with the Land Conservancy Work Group. It provides grants for land protection projects that result in conservation easements or land trust or agency acquisition of important properties that protect salmon habitat. Funds will be awarded to TU Chapters and Councils in partnership with land trusts and conservation agencies. Applicants should contact the Land Conservancy Fund committee at landconservancy@tu.org 60 days prior to submitting an application. Learn more.
Solar Moonshot Program
This program helps non-profits afford the switch to clean energy. Grant priority is given to solar projects that have additional funding sources and community support. Grants are typically awarded up to $25,000, with amounts dependent on various factors. The program is managed by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation, and grants are funded by generous philanthropists and foundations. Contact solarmoonshot@hcs.foundation with any questions. Learn more and apply.
List of Federal Funding Opportunities
Compiled by Land Trust Alliance (LTA), this list of current federal conservation program funding opportunities for land trusts is organized by deadline date. For a complete list of funding, visit grants.gov.
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Resources and Opportunities |
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NEW! Coastal Zone Management Office Hours
Office hours: Friday (December 6 and December 20), 9:00 - 10:00 am
The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) recently hosted two virtual ResilientCoasts Public Meetings to provide an update on the ResilientCoasts Plan. Draft Coastal Resilience Districts were released following the meeting. CZM is holding two office hour sessions in December to address questions or concerns related to the ResilientCoasts plan. Email Deanna Moran at deanna.moran@mass.gov with questions. Learn more and register.
NEW! UConn’s Environmental Justice Technical Assistance Center
The University of Connecticut is now accepting requests for technical assistance to address local environmental justice challenges. In Massachusetts, they will partner with the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Institute for New England Native American Studies and Groundwork USA in Lawrence. UConn will assist eligible entities to identify funding resources and submit funding proposals, write and manage grants, and plan for grant and project implementation. Services can be requested through their website. Learn more.
NEW! UAP’s Winter 2024 Program Schedule is Here!
The Department of Conservation and Recreation's Universal Access Program provides outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts state parks for visitors of all abilities. The winter season runs November through March. View schedule. NEW! Massachusetts Bolsters Resilience with Accessible Climate Data and Tools
Massachusetts is enhancing its resilience to climate change by providing accessible data and tools to support planning and decision-making. The state is focusing on making climate data available to local governments, businesses, and communities to better prepare for climate-related risks, such as sea-level rise, extreme weather, and temperature shifts. Key initiatives include the development of user-friendly platforms and tools, like the Massachusetts Climate Change Clearinghouse, which allows stakeholders to access up-to-date climate projections, maps, and resources. The aim is to help both urban and rural areas adapt effectively, build stronger infrastructures, and promote sustainable practices. Learn more.
NEW! Stewardship Tip: Glossy Buckthorn Management
This article offers valuable insights into monitoring Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), an invasive shrub that poses a threat to ecosystems across North America. It highlights its rapid spread, particularly in areas such as wetlands, forests, and floodplains. Glossy Buckthorn outcompetes native plants, alters soil chemistry, and disrupts local habitats. Learn about solutions for mitigating its long-term impact. Read the article.
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