Updates

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

On May 21st, the State Senate will begin debate on its version of the FY25 State Operating Budget. Please contact your State Senator before May 21 to request co-sponsorship of two important amendments: Sen. Bruce Tarr's amendment (Clerk #1) to expand the Conservation Land Tax Credit; and Senator Susan Moran's amendment (Clerk #80) to increase Department of Fish and Game funding in order to implement its work on Blue Carbon and Statewide Biodiversity Goals.

The 2024 Regional Conservation Partnership (RCP) Network Gathering will be held on Thursday, November 14 at UMass Amherst. The call for presentations is open now. If you have a project, partnership, research, or perspectives to share, submit your proposal by May 22. Questions? Email Katie Blake at kblake@highstead.net...

Our colleagues at Mass Rivers received a request from Senator Markey's office to distribute information and guidance on how to apply for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS). Please note that the deadline to submit is April 5 at 6 pm. There are two types of funding available. 1) Programmatic: a request...

Our new and improved website went live on April 1. This Quick Guide summarizes the changes...

We were pleased to see nearly 400 of our colleagues at the 2024 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference, including 63 presenters who developed engaging presentations on a wide range of land conservation topics. We also welcomed 15 new businesses and organizations who shared their expertise as exhibitors. Our plenary session included...