eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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September 24 2024, Volume 22, Number 9 |
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Tyringham Cobble, a destination along the Appalachian Trail near site of former Shaker community 194 Acres Preserved Along Appalachian Trail in Tyringham, MA
At the end of August, the Trust for Public Land (TPL), alongside the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the National Park Service, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, announced the establishment of the Fernside Conservation Easement. The 194-acre protected area is located along the Appalachian Trail within the Tyringham Shaker Settlement Historic District. The protected land serves as a crucial wildlife movement corridor in the Appalachian Range, a key conservation area recognized for its biodiversity and climate resilience. The National Park Service will oversee the conservation easement, while the landowners continue to manage the area as a working landscape of farm, forest, and wildlife habitat. With over three million people hiking the Appalachian Trail each year, protecting this land not only promotes biodiversity but also ensures a high-quality hiking experience for the thousands who explore the Berkshires each summer. 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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| I enjoyed the late summer sun at Dudley Conservation Land Trust's Wieloch Woods.
#OurMassLandTrusts |
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Thank You for Attending MLTC’s September Conservation Partners Meeting!
We were happy to see 39 in-person and 65 virtual attendees at the Conservation Partners Meeting on Friday September 20th. Thank you to Kurt Gaertner and Bob Wilber for sharing an update on the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' CR review backlog, APR and Farmland Action Plan updates, and new grant opportunities. Thanks to Mike Gendron for providing valuable information on the implementation of An Act Preserving Open Space in the Commonwealth (also known as the Public Lands Preservation Act). Additionally, we enjoyed hearing from Mariah Fogg on successful Early Conservation Career Network events and launch of ECCN’s new mentoring program. View materials from the meeting here.
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| SOLD OUT: Massachusetts State Dinner at Rally
Friday September 27, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Trinity Brewhouse, 186 Fountain Street, Providence RI Dinner is sold out but consider stopping by for a drink to say hello. We'll have a private room with a cash bar, and the venue is right by the conference center. Apply for the ECCN Mentorship Pilot Program Accepting Mentee and Mentor applications until the end of September
To foster opportunities for continued learning, building connections, and professional development in the land conservation field, MLTC’s Early Conservation Career Network (ECCN) is welcoming applications for the ECCN Mentorship Pilot Program. This is not an internship, but rather an informal and organic mentorship opportunity designed to connect emerging professionals with experienced leaders in their field. Through this opportunity, 5-7 mentor and mentee matches will be established. Apply for the program here: Mentee Application & Mentor Application.
Massachusetts Advancing Conservation Excellence Program Wednesday October 9, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Discover how the Massachusetts Advancing Conservation Excellence (ACE) program can help your land trust build capacity, enhance sustainability, and achieve long-term success. Join this info session to learn about the program elements including leadership development, organizational assessments, and funding opportunities designed specifically for Massachusetts land trusts. MA ACE is a multi-year Land Trust Alliance and Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition program to increase capacity and impact. Register.
Small Staffed Land Trusts: Managing a Sustainable Volunteer Program Thursday October 10, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
A strong volunteer program is a backbone of small-staffed land trusts. What makes a successful program? How to build it, and equally, how to maintain it? Insights, experiences, and questions from attending Zoomers are welcome. Conversation is fluid, so other topics of mutual interest may also be discussed. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series for staff and Board members. This call will not be recorded. Register.
2024 Land Trust/State Agency Retreat
Wednesday October 16 (in person at Harvard Forest (HF), Fisher Museum, Petersham, 8:30 am - 6:00 pm)
Thursday October 17 (in person at Harvard Forest, Fisher Museum, Petersham AND via Zoom, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm). If attending via Zoom, pre-registration is required here. Hosted by MLTC and the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, this annual event provides an opportunity to brainstorm and strategize on timely land conservation issues while strengthening relations among conservation partners. Who should attend? Those willing to dig into discussion on this year's topics, which include: - Coordinating Land & Habitat Management Across Sectors
- Long-Term Funding for Conservation
- Possible Improvements to State CR and Grant Programs.
When considering who from your organization will attend, please be mindful that our Wednesday venue has a maximum capacity of 75. Wednesday attendees are welcome to join Russ Cohen’s always-popular Conservation Trivia and early evening social time with overnighters. This meeting will not be recorded. Overnight lodging is available for up to 23 people, primarily in shared accommodation with two to three people per room. A few singles are available at an increased cost. Agenda. Registration deadline is Wednesday October 9. Register.
Leadership Training Program for Land Trust Executive Directors Application deadline: Tuesday October 15 Program dates: Thursdays January 16, February 6, February 27, March 20, April 10, May 1, May 22, and June 5, plus one in-person meeting (date TBD)
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 pm
The Land Trust Alliance, in partnership with MLTC, will host an 8-part virtual leadership and management training program for executive directors. This cohort-based experience will give staff leadership an opportunity to build their skills and bolster organizational effectiveness. In addition to the highly interactive sessions, the program also includes work on an organization-specific improvement project and the opportunity to sign up for one-on-one coaching sessions. Cost: $350 per person. Learn more. Apply.
ECCN Overnight at Wildlands Trust Stewardship Training Center
Friday October 18, 4:30 pm - Saturday October 19, 12:00 pm, 549 Mast Road, Plymouth MA
This event is an opportunity to join other early conservation career professionals for networking and fun. Overnight lodging options include tent camping or staying in bunk rooms in the Stewardship Center. Camping will cost $10 per person, and the bunk room will cost $30 per person. ECCN will cover the costs of Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast. If you need financial assistance, please reach out to earlyconservationcareernetwork@gmail.com. Learn more and register.
Insurance 101: Liability, Conserve-A-Nation & Terrafirma Tuesday October 22, 4:00 - 5:15 pm
Join the Land Trust Alliance, in partnership with the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition, for an insightful webinar designed for land trusts in the New England region. Meghan Mullee, First Vice President of Alliant Insurance Services, and Tom Kester, Secretary of Alliance Risk Management Services LLC, will present a crash course on the basics of insurance coverage, including policy must-haves and coverage considerations. The session will include Q&A time. Learn more and register.
New! Land Protection Staff Topical Networking
Thursday, October 24, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Join this inaugural networking session for Land Protection staff, where the focus will be: Landowner Outreach, Including Landowner Workshops. This call is a forum for Land Protection staff to learn from each other, so bring your questions and share your experiences. Conversation in similar affinity groups is fluid, so other topics of mutual interest may also be discussed. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking series for staff and Board members. This call will not be recorded. Register.
Quarterly Zoom for All-Volunteer Land Trusts (AVLTs) Wednesday November 20, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
The topic this quarter will be "Database Tools & Management - What are you using and how happy are you with it? ". Be ready to share your experiences and ask questions, so we can learn from each other. As the conversation is often fluid, other topics of mutual interest may be discussed. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. This call will not be recorded. Register.
Nominations Open for New MLTC Award Nominations are due Saturday November 30
MLTC is launching a new Excellence in Conservation Award, to be presented by MLTC’s Conservation Advisory Council during the plenary session of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference on March 21, 2025. The award will go to a land trust or a collaboration of conservation partners in recognition of a specific project completed within the past two years that 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. Learn more and submit a nomination.
Save The Date: 2025 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference Friday March 21, 2025 in-person at UMass Amherst Submit a Conference Workshop or Field Trip Proposal Applications due: Friday October 11 Workshops take place Friday, March 21, 9:30 am - 3:40 pm
Topics that address conservation in environmental justice communities and/or nature-based solutions to climate change are especially encouraged, but proposals are welcome on any topic important to land conservation in Massachusetts. Field trips take place Fridays or Saturdays April - October 2025, anywhere in Massachusetts.
View details and submit a proposal. 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.
Renew Your Membership with MLTC!
Our FY25 membership drive is underway – thanks so much to many who have already responded! Consider renewing your membership here.
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Thank you to our generous Conference Sponsors! Platinum |
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PLPA Implementation
In the first legislative session since Chapter 274 of the Acts of 2022, An Act Preserving Open Space in the Commonwealth (commonly referred to as the Public Lands Preservation Act, or 'PLPA'), took effect, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) reports that 22 bills approving conversion of protected open space were signed into law. This is about half the average number of approved conversions passed in other two-year sessions over the past 20 years. EEA maintains a website with information of importance to any community facing proposed diversion of public parks and conservation land to another use. It includes Guidance, Frequently Asked Questions, and a “PLPA Portal” for submission of materials related to proposed conversions of protected open space. This summer, EEA added a “PLPA Tracker,” which provides much-needed transparency regarding the status of pending Article 97 actions. EEA has yet to promulgate regulations to implement the law, though the August 2024 legislated deadline to do so has passed. MLTC and our partners look forward to the opportunity to comment on the draft regulations once they are released.
Climate Bill and Energy Facilities Siting
The legislature failed to pass the highly anticipated climate bill addressing recommendations from Governor Healey’s Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting before the conclusion of the 2023-2024 formal legislative session. Final House and Senate versions of the climate bill both included provisions to streamline the process for siting and permitting clean energy projects to help the state to meet its emissions reduction goals but significant differences in other provisions were not reconciled before the session ended. On September 11, Governor Healey filed a supplemental $714 million spending bill for FY2024, which includes components of the climate bill that had consensus between chambers, including siting and permitting reform. The other pieces of the climate bill remain in the Conference Committee and have the potential to move forward if the conferees can agree on a proposal.
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State Awards Over $27 million for Conservation and Parks Projects
On September 24, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the award of 59 grants totalling over $27.8 million for park improvements and open space acquisitions that will conserve 2,375 acres. Awards were made to projects in 54 communities, under five of EEA’s competitive grant programs: Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC); Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND), Cranberry Bog Acquisition for Restoration, and Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Conservation Partnership Grant, which awards funds directly to non-profits. Land trusts and allied nonprofits awarded funding under that program include Kestrel Land Trust, Mass Audubon, Buzzards Bay Coalition, The Trustees, Essex County Greenbelt, The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, Westport Land Conservation Trust, Orenda Wildlife Land Trust, East Quabbin Land Trust, Greater Worcester Land Trust, Barnstable Land Trust, Berkshire Community Land Trust and Farming Falmouth. In addition, Buzzards Bay Coalition and Harwich Conservation Trust were awarded funding under the Cranberry Bog Acquisition and Restoration Program. Land trusts are also critical partners on a number of projects funded by the LAND, LWCF and PARC programs. Read more.
Buzzards Bay Projects Secure Federal Funding
On September 24, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the award of $873,637 in grants for five projects that will treat stormwater discharges, evaluate wastewater treatment plant discharge capacity, and protect critical habitat in the Buzzards Bay watershed. The grants were awarded through the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), using federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. In one of the projects the towns of Carver and Wareham will each receive $75,000 to work with the Buzzards Bay Coalition to permanently protect 522 acres in Carver and 215 acres in Wareham, protecting forested uplands, cranberry bogs, and wetlands and adding to a growing greenway corridor along the Weweantic River. The Buzzards Bay Coalition will acquire and own the land, with town conservation commissions holding conservation restrictions in their respective towns. Read more.
MassWildlife Announces FY25 Habitat Management Projects
MassWildlife recently announced planned projects to create, restore, and maintain a variety of healthy habitats to increase biodiversity and climate resiliency. Review the project summaries and use this form to provide feedback through October 9, 2024. Forest cutting plans will be posted upon final approval. View projects.
Massachusetts Preservation Plan Available for Public Comment
The Massachusetts Historical Commission has released a draft of its 2023-2031 plan, and is accepting public comment through September 30, 2024. View the plan here. Submit written comments to Jennifer Doherty, Local Government Programs Coordinator, at Jennifer.Doherty@sec.state.ma.us.
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Conserving Mature and Old-growth Forests in a Changing Climate Thursdays September 26 - December 5 (except October 17 and November 28), 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! Sustaining Ash Partners Network (SAP-Ne)
Wednesday October 2, 9:30 - 11:30 am
Join the Forest Stewards Guild for a webinar focused on collaborative strategies for ash preservation. Hear from experts across Tribal Nations, academic institutions, government agencies, and private organizations. The discussion will cover a range of topics, including Western scientific and Indigenous perspectives on ash stewardship, as well as identifying gaps in regional training and resources. Learn more and register.
NEW! Farm Business Planning Course
Tuesdays October 8 - November 26, 6:00 - 8:30 pm (Fall 2024 Session) Tuesdays January 14 - March 4, 6:00 - 8:30 pm (Winter 2025 Session)
This beginner-friendly eight-week course is hosted by Tufts University in partnership with USDA and Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation. The course aims to guide participants 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.
Massachusetts Advancing Conservation Excellence Program Info Session Wednesday October 9, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. NEW! Raptor-Safe Rat Control Wednesday October 9, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
This webinar will cover effective and safe strategies for managing rodent issues. You’ll learn about wildlife-safe pest control methods and gain valuable insights to advocate for eliminating rodent poison in your community. This event is hosted by Mass Audubon, NH Audubon, and Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Learn more. Register.
Conservation GIS Workshop Series Thursdays (October 10 and 31, November 21, December 12), 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Wildlands Stewardship Training Center is partnering with Essex County Greenbelt to host a series of four virtual workshops 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. Apply. Learn more.
Small Staffed Land Trusts: Managing a Sustainable Volunteer Program Thursday October 10, 1:00 - 2:00 pm See details under MLTC News, above. Leadership Training Program for Land Trust Executive Directors
Application deadline: Tuesday, October 15 Dates: Thursdays January 16, February 6, February 27, March
20, April 10, May 1, May 22, and June 5, plus one in-person meeting (date TBD) Time: 1:00 - 2:30 pm See details under MLTC News, above. Insurance 101: Liability, Conserve-A-Nation & Terrafirma Tuesday October 22, 4:00 - 5:15 pm See details under MLTC News, above.
NEW! ACEP-ALE Program Sub-Committee Fall Quarterly Meeting Wednesday October 23, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
MA NRCS State Technical Committee is hosting their Fall 2024 ACEP-ALE Program Sub-committee meeting. The meeting will include updates from NRCS, MDAR, AFT, and partners related to farmland protection funding deadlines and upcoming opportunities. Learn more and register. New! Land Protection Staff Topical Networking Thursday, October 24, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. NEW! Conservation Restrictions Baselines 101
Tuesday November 12, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions hosts this virtual webinar on the basics of Baseline Documentation Reports for Conservation Restrictions. It will cover a step-by-step process on everything from fieldwork, report contents, and document storage. Learn more and register. Quarterly Networking for All-Volunteer Land Trusts (AVLTs) Wednesday November 20, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
See details under MLTC News, above. |
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In-Person Events and Outings |
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NEW! Fall Stewardship Forum: Grasslands RSVP by Friday September 27 (email Ross Moran at ross@westportlandtrust.org) Friday October 4, 9:00 am - 12:45 pm, 573 Adamsville Road, Westport MA
The Westport Land Conservation Trust hosts this forum focused on meadow and grassland restoration and maintenance strategies. Attendees can participate in Q&A segments and enjoy an optional tour of Westport Wood’s current restoration project at 1:00 pm. Learn more. Vermont Conservation Conference Conference: Monday October 7, 8:00 am - 4:45 pm, Vermont State College, Randolph Campus
This conference will enable the Vermont conservation community to meet, share resources, and foster discussions regarding collaborative, strategic and informed conservation work and planning. Topics will include: reconciliation, recognition, and restorative Justice for the Land, landscape-scale conservation, biodiversity, climate solutions, organizational capacity, communication & engagement, working lands, stewardship and restoration, and livable communities. Learn more and register.
2024 Land Trust/State Agency Retreat
Wednesday October 16 - Thursday, October 17, in person at Harvard Forest, Fisher Museum, Petersham MA AND via Zoom. See details under MLTC News, above.
ECCN Overnight at Wildlands Trust Stewardship Training Center Friday October 18, 4:30 pm - Saturday October 19, 12:00 pm, 549 Mast Road, Plymouth MA.
See details under MLTC News, above. Northeast Wildlife Trackers Annual Conference
Friday October 18 - Sunday October 20, start times vary, at Prindle Pond Conference Center, Charlton MA
The conference will consist of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill levels, ranging from beginners to experts, all united by their enthusiastic interest in wildlife tracking. Attend to engage with students, hobbyists, and professionals from fields such as conservation, guiding, academic research, and education. Spend quality time with like-minded individuals, building and enriching a more cohesive Northeast wildlife tracking community. Learn more.
MACC Fall Conference Saturday October 19, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Devens Common Center, Devens MA
MACC’s Annual Environmental Conference is a great opportunity to network with those working to protect wetlands, open space, and biological diversity across the state. Workshops will cover topics related to stormwater management, green infrastructure, floodplains & flooding, water quality issues, stream crossings, community engagement, and environmental justice. Learn more. Register.
2024 Massachusetts Town Forest Conference Saturday October 19, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm, Stockbridge Town Offices, Stockbridge MA Cost: free
The Town Forest Conference dates back to 1928 when the Massachusetts Forestry Association organized the first meeting of town forest committees in Boston. This annual gathering brings together a diverse group of foresters, planners, arborists, conservation commission members, land trusts, nonprofit organizations, forest landowners, and more. The conference highlights local efforts to enhance the climate resilience of our community forests and emphasizes the crucial role town forests and open spaces play in maintaining local ecosystems. Learn more. Register.
NEW! 2024 MassTrails Conference
Thursday October 24 - Saturday October 26, Time TBD, DCU Center, 50 Foster St, Worcester MA
This event - hosted by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in partnership with the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB) - will bring together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the future of trail development and maintenance in Massachusetts. Participate in workshops related to best practices, funding opportunities, and innovative approaches to trail management. Learn more and register.
NEW! Quinapoxet Dam Removal Project Tour
Tuesday November 12, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, West Boylston MA
Join Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network (Mass ECAN) for a tour of the Quinapoxet Dam removal site. Learn about West Boylston's innovative climate resilience planning and explore the benefits of this project, including enhancements to fisheries, improved flood resilience, and better water quality and management for the Wachusett Reservoir. Register.
2024 Regional Conservation Partnership (RCP) Network Gathering Thursday November 14, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, at UMass Amherst
This free, one-day conference will bring together conservation practitioners, professionals, and enthusiasts to support their work in advancing collaborative landscape conservation in the Northeast and beyond. The theme this year is Collaborating for Healthier Communities. To ensure everyone has a healthy future in which to thrive, discussions will include how conservation groups are meeting multiple objectives beyond natural resource protection and management – including public health and well-being, climate justice, and community resilience. Learn more.
NEW! Wildlands & Woodlands: A Unified Vision for the Future of New England’s Forests
Thursday November 14, 5:15 - 7:30 pm, at McClennen and Fish LLP, Boston MA
Join the New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) and Northeast Wilderness Trust (NEWT) to hear how an expanded network of wildland reserves and innovative forestry approaches can position forests to combat climate change, safeguard native species, and fuel a thriving bioeconomy. Learn about collaborative projects between NEFF and NEWT to protect and preserve forest ecosystems, and how you can take action to protect your local forests. 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. Save The Date: 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.
NEW! Land Conservation Assistance Program Info Sessions:
Thursday September 26, 9:30 - 10:30 am (in-person at MassWildlife Headquarters, Westborough) Monday September 30, 2:00 - 3:30 pm (online)
Application deadline: Friday April 11, 2025
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.
Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Submit draft proposal: Friday September 27
Application deadline: Friday November 15, 6:00 pm
The U.S. Forest Service’s Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) competitive grant program funds collaborative, science-based restoration of priority rural forest landscapes, leverages public and private resources, and supports State Forest Action Plans. Desired outcomes include: improving fish and wildlife habitat; improving water quality and watershed function; mitigating invasive plants, insect infestation, and disease; reducing wildfire risk; improving forest ecosystem health; and measuring ecological and economic benefits. Learn more.
Land Acquisition for Forest Reserves Grant Program Application deadline: Friday September 27, 3:00 pm
This new grant opportunity from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs aims to expand the state's forest reserve network by supporting the acquisition of lands where natural processes can proceed without timber harvesting or intensive management. Grants are available to municipalities, non-profit 501(c) organizations, and other eligible conservation organizations. The maximum award is 50% of the total eligible project cost up to $2,000,000. Applications must be emailed to Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov. Learn more.
New England Farmer-to-Farmer Soil Health Cohort Program Applications open in September
The New England Climate and Agriculture team at American Farmland Trust offers one-year peer-to-peer soil health planning programs for farmers of a range of scales and operation types. Courses run September 2024-September 2025, with most activities concentrated in the winter. Participants should expect to spend 10 hours per month on project activities in the winter and approximately 5 hours per month during the growing season. Most classes will take place virtually on Zoom. Participants will receive $2000 in financial assistance. Learn more. For info contact Caro Roszell at croszell@farmland.org.
DER’s Partnership Program Applications open soon
The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is awarding Regional Restoration Partnership grants to non-profit organizations and Regional Planning Agencies to increase their capacity. This program aims to support collaborations between regional and local partners to launch and oversee aquatic restoration activities. Learn more. Email DER.Partnerships@mass.gov with questions.
Healthy Communities Grant Program
Info session: Wednesday October 2, 1:00 - 3:00 pm Register Application deadline: Friday November 1, 11:59 pm
The Healthy Communities Grant Program is the US Environmental Protection Agency’s main grant program that works directly with communities to reduce environmental risks to protect and improve human health and the quality of life. The Program seeks proposals that assess, understand, and reduce environmental and human health risks. EPA New England plans to award approximately 15 cooperative agreements for amounts up to $40,000. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Massachusetts Destination Mountain Biking Development Grant
Application deadline: Friday October 4, 5:00 pm
The Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) is accepting applications for a new grant opportunity for developing destination mountain biking trail systems in the state. MOOR is offering grants of up to $250,000 to non-profits, municipalities, and tribal governments to create destination mountain bike trail systems that meet established criteria. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Habitat Management Grant
Application deadline: Thursday October 17
The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program offers support to private and municipal owners of protected lands to enhance wildlife habitats while promoting public access for outdoor recreation. Applicants are eligible to receive between $10,000 and $75,000 per approved habitat management project. Funding will be awarded to projects that improve habitats for game species, Species of Greatest Conservation Need (as outlined in the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan), and ecological communities vulnerable to climate change. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Wildlands Partnership Application deadline: Friday October 18
The Northeast Wilderness Trust (NEWT) is accepting applications for Phase III of its Wildlands Partnership program, which offers accredited land trusts financial support for land acquisition and stewardship costs, staff time, and other project-related expenses. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for existing fee lands and up to $250,000 for new land acquisitions. Learn more and apply.
NEW! FY26 Municipality Vulnerability Program (MVP) Action Grant
Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline: Friday November 1 Application deadline: TBD
The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant program provides support for communities in Massachusetts to identify climate hazards, assess vulnerabilities, and develop action plans to improve resilience to climate change. Through this form, potential applicants should provide basic information about their project idea. MVP staff will then provide feedback prior to the Request for Responses (RFR) release date. Submitting an EOI is not required to submit a formal MVP Action Grant application in the Spring of 2025, but highly encouraged. Learn more and submit a form.
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.
Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Partnership Grants Applications accepted on a rolling basis starting Tuesday October 1 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.
Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants
Awarded on a rolling basis through November 21, 2024, 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.
Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Forest Legacy Program Application deadline: Monday January 13, 2025
The Massachusetts Forest Legacy Program is accepting project proposals for Inflation Reduction Act funding. The three project types that will be accepted are: 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 of these project proposals 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.
Farm-Pass: Farm Transfer Planning Assistance Program
Application deadline: applications accepted on a rolling basis, but must be received by Wednesday January 15th, 2025 for March 2025 start date, or Tuesday April 15th, 2025 for a June 2025 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.
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! Peer Learning Program Application deadline: Monday October 14 Program Duration: December 2024 - July 2025
The Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network (Mass ECAN) offers a Peer Learning Program designed to unite climate adaptation practitioners over an 8-month period. Participants will share their expertise and experiences, gaining fresh insights into climate adaptation practices. Learn more and apply. NEW! Land Conservation and Inequality Series
University of Rhode Island professors Julie C. Keller and Corey Lang have published two reports as part of their Land Conservation and Inequality Series. The first report summarizes research conducted to understand organizational engagement with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) values, with a special emphasis on how land trusts facilitate access to land for underrepresented groups. The second report explains the challenges and needs related to farmland access among a group of refugees in Providence, Rhode Island.
NEW! UAP's Fall 2024 Program Schedule Is Here!
The Department of Conservation and Recreation's Universal Access Program (UAP) provides outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts state parks for visitors of all abilities. The Fall Program season runs September through October. View schedule.
NEW! Urban Food Forests
The USDA National Agroforestry Center published an article discussing the concept of urban food forests, which are designed to provide communities with access to fresh food while promoting biodiversity and green spaces. These food forests integrate trees, shrubs, and other plants to create sustainable ecosystems that benefit both people and wildlife. The Boston Food Forest Coalition created 11 food forests that are owned in the form of a legal community land trust. Read the article.
NEW! Prohibited Plants in Massachusetts (Update)
The Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List has been updated as of September 2024 to include two more invasive species: Callery pear/Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana) and Wall-lettuce (Mycelis muralis). Effective December 31, 2028, Callery pear/Bradford pear will no longer be available for purchase, while Wall-lettuce will no longer be available for purchase after December 31, 2025. Learn more. Prohibited Plant List.
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