Updates

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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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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On November 14, the state legislature passed the final omnibus climate and energy bill (S.2967, An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity and protecting ratepayers), and the Governor signed it into law on November 21. The new law prioritizes clean energy and works to decarbonize our most polluting sectors, including provisions to: Accelerate the move away from...

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 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.

The Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition has launched the Excellence in Conservation Award, to be presented to a land trust or collaboration of conservation partners in recognition of 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. Nomination deadline is Saturday, November 30, 2024. The Award will be presented by MLTC's Conservation Advisory Council on Friday, March 21, 2025 during the plenary session of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference.

In the first legislative session since Chapter 274 of the Acts of 2022, An Act conserving 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...

On June 10, the Healey-Driscoll administration released a comprehensive work plan outlining strategies to protect and manage forest lands while prioritizing efforts to address climate change impacts. The plan presents a detailed timeline for acting on recommendations of EEA’s Climate Forestry Committee that were released earlier this year...

This essential handbook for land trusts and conservation commissions is a revised version of the 2006 edition. The Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition was pleased to collaborate with the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions to support this update.

Many thanks to the landowners who agreed to be interviewed by Martha Bebinger for her May 24th WBUR Morning Edition piece shining a light on the the need to expand Massachusetts' Conservation Land Tax Credit. We urge the Legislature to act this session to ensure we don't lose opportunities to help charitable landowners to save land of high conservation value!
Listen to and read the story here: https://tinyurl.com/wbur-cltc