Updates

Please reach out to your state legislators to ask them to co-sponsor MLTC's highest priority bills for the current legislative session.

Click the link for a message template that you can feel free to use or personalize with some information on why land conservation is important to you or your organization.

In this period of uncertainty regarding federal funding, there are some resources to help federal grantees with steps they can take to protect themselves.

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MLTC staff and a number of our contacts have recently received emails from multiple senders, offering to sell a list of Visitors/Attendees to the March 21 Mass. Land Conservation Conference being held at UMass Amherst. After consulting with the security departments of our CRM, events platform, and our computer consultant, we are confident that our systems have not been hacked, nor has information been leaked.

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Since January 20th, a series of executive orders and memos from the Trump administration have raised concerns for nonprofits, particularly regarding a freeze on federal grants and loans. The Office of Management and Budget issued a memo calling for a freeze on nearly all federal grants and loans, effectively pausing funds that had been appropriated by Congress. A judge temporarily blocked this freeze until February 3, citing the need for more time to evaluate the broad implications of the order. The situation has developed quickly, and as of January 29, the administration reversed the freeze with a brief two-sentence memo.....

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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.