eNews
The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Land Conservation Community |
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April 11 2024, Volume 22, Number 4 |
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Representatives from the Town of Avon, the City of Brockton, Wildlands Trust, and the State of Massachusetts gathered at D.W. Field Park. Wildlands Trust Helps to Expand D.W. Field Park by 30 Acres
In March, the Town of Avon finalized the purchase of a 30-acre woodland parcel on the western edge of D.W. Field Park, with Wildlands Trust to hold a conservation restriction on the property. The acquisition was funded by two sources: a Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant of $1.5 million and a private foundation. Avon voters approved the allocation of MVP funds to the project last fall, and 220 donations demonstrated community support to the private foundation in December. “This significant expansion of the park highlights the importance of collaboration and shared commitment to preserving natural spaces for the benefit of the community,” Avon Town Administrator Jonathan Beder said. This work comes as part of the D.W. Field Park Initiative, a long-term community partnership led by Wildlands Trust to restore this natural and cultural treasure for local people and wildlife. “The D.W. Field Park Initiative is an ambitious project that brings together professional and community partners to ensure that the people of Brockton and Avon can access the same benefits of nature as rural and suburban communities. It was very exciting to start this work by adding land to the park,” said Wildlands Trust President Karen Grey. Read more and view the aerial map of the D.W. Field Park expansion here.
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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 a wet but lovely outing to Opacum Land Trust's scenic Claire Birtz Wildlife Sanctuary in Southbridge. #OurMassLandTrusts |
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| MLTC Launches New Website
Our new and improved website is live! Take a look at this Quick Guide to see what’s changed. |
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Thanks for a Successful Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference!
We were pleased to see nearly 400 of our colleagues at the 2024 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference, including 63 speakers who shared engaging presentations on a wide range of conservation topics. Our plenary session included Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Rebecca Tepper, who spoke about the urgency of protecting 40% of the Commonwealth’s land to meet state-mandated climate goals by 2050. Our keynote address was by Dr. Darren Ranco, Penobscot Nation citizen and Professor at the University of Maine. He spoke on Wabanaki-led conservation and partnerships between land trusts and indigenous communities in Maine. Throughout the day, we witnessed connections being formed and strengthened between land conservation professionals, volunteers, students and Exhibitors – including 15 new businesses and organizations – from across the State. Recordings from the keynote and nine of the workshops are available on our conference portal, where you’ll also see a list of all the generous sponsors who made the conference possible. Thank you!
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Spots Still Available for Conference Field Trips!
Conference registrants and speakers are welcome to sign up for Field Trips that are happening all over Massachusetts on Friday April 26 and Friday May 17. Please scroll to the bottom of the Conference Portal for detailed descriptions and links to register. Fall 2024 Land Protection Tools & Techniques Course - Applications Open
Info webinar: Thursday April 11, 6:30 pm. Application Deadline: Wednesday May 15. Course runs Thursdays September 12 – November 14, 4:00 - 6:00 pm.
This fall, UMass Extension, in partnership with MLTC and Mass Audubon, will offer a course aimed at individuals who have a strong interest in learning the practical nuts and bolts of land conservation transactions in order to seek employment in this field. This course will draw from expertise within the professional land conservation community in Massachusetts through a 9-week online series plus an in-person weekend retreat (November 8-10) at the Wildlands Trust Stewardship Training Center in Plymouth. Learn more and access the application at masswoods.org/lpcourse. Learn more at an informational webinar April 11th at 6:30pm!
Networking Call Topics of Special Interest to AVLTs Thursday May 2, 2:00 - 3:00 pm.
The discussion topic will be "CRs: Writing Them, Defending Them - Tips and Tricks". Come with your questions and insights to share. Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. Register.
Building a Strategic Fundraising Program – A Short Course for Massachusetts Land Trusts May 2, 9, 23 (Thursdays) and 29 (Wednesday), 4:00 - 5:15 pm.
This four-part series, offered in partnership with the Land Trust Alliance, will cover the tactics needed to better engage with people and raise more money. Topics will include: basic planning protocols, tools to develop strategic fundraising plans, approaches to fundraising from individual donors and funders, and more. Three optional peer sessions for follow-up discussion will be held on Wednesdays June 26, July 31, and August 28. Program cost: $50 per MLTC-member organization, or $75 per non-MLTC member organization. Learn more and register.
Landscape-Scale Land Conservation: Steps to Success Five consecutive Tuesdays from May 7 - June 4, 4:00 - 6:00 pm via Zoom
This five-part series is targeted to experienced land protection personnel from land trusts and conservation partners who aspire to tackle large or complex land conservation projects in Massachusetts, including those that cross state lines. Landscape-scale projects may include multiple landowners or require a multi-year and multi-funder strategy. Four in-depth case studies will be presented to illustrate challenges and elements of success, and participants will be encouraged to discuss approaches to their own projects. Facilitated by Jim Levitt from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and Robb Johnson from MLTC, with guest faculty discussing the work of New England Forestry Foundation, Sebago Clean Waters, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust and Berkshires Natural Resources Council. Cost for the full series: $30 for per organization for MLTC members: $45 for non-members. (Organizations are invited to sign up multiple representatives under a single registration fee.) To maximize interaction and discussion, participants are encouraged to attend all sessions, and registration will be capped at 20. Learn more and register.
Stewardship Networking Call: Protecting Sensitive Habitat & Species Thursday May 16, 1:00 - 2:00 pm.
How do we best protect sensitive habitats and species while also maintaining properties for the public? Come with your questions, challenges, and insights so we can learn from each other. This call is part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. Register. MLTC Conservation Partners Meeting Friday June 14, 10:00 am - 12:15 pm hybrid – in person at the Doyle Center in Leominster and 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 a featured topic. For this month, the featured topic will be Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Tom O’Shea talking about progress in establishing Biodiversity Goals for the Commonwealth. Formerly known as "Steering Committee Meetings", these meetings are convened by MLTC's Partner Engagement Committee: Kathy Orlando, Chair, Olivia Lukacic, Vice-Chair. To attend via Zoom, register here.
Stop and Shop Community Bag Program
We are excited to announce that the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition is enrolled in Stop and Shop’s reusable Community Bag Program. During the month of April, MLTC will receive $1 for every reusable bag purchased at the Stop and Shop located at 101 Andrew Avenue in Wayland. |
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Thank you to our generous Conference Sponsors! |
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Wetland Regulations Comments Due by Tuesday April 30!
In December, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released a suite of proposed revisions (known as "Resilience 1.0") to prepare for climate impacts, including updates to the Stormwater Handbook, new performance standards for land subject to coastal flooding, and more. Public comments on the draft regulations are due at 5 pm on April 30, 2024. DEP encourages electronic submission by email to dep.wetlands@mass.gov, with "Wetlands-401 Resilience Comments" in the subject line. The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) has been collecting comments from the public in a table on their website, which may be helpful if you wish to develop your own comments.
Trail Work and Habitat Restoration Permitting Comments also Due by Tuesday April 30!
Colleagues at the Mass. Society of Municipal Conservation Professionals (MSMCP) are urging land managers, land stewards, and trail groups to ask DEP to improve permitting processes for trail work and habitat restoration in or near wetlands. They feel strongly that trail work and invasive species management should not be discouraged by time-consuming, costly, or complex wetland permitting -- especially given the critical role that trail access plays in encouraging support for conservation of natural areas. MSMCP is in the process of preparing a comment letter to MassDEP. They encourage you to draw from it and add your own comments about why your organization or community needs improved regulations for permitting trail work and habitat restoration. Email comments to: dep.wetlands@mass.gov by 5 pm on April 30, with "Wetlands-401 Resilience Comments" in the subject line. Questions can be directed to MSMCP Board Member Michele Grzenda at massconpros@gmail.com.
Recommendations on Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting
On March 29, the Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting & Permitting sent a report to Gov. Healey summarizing its recommendations for how to accelerate the clean energy transition while also protecting natural and working lands, and ensuring that communities – especially Environmental Justice Communities, do not bear additional inequitable impacts. Mass Audubon, the Nature Conservancy and MACC were among organizations represented on this Commission. Elements of the report may influence language in pending legislation, including the Omnibus Climate Bill, and advocacy will be needed to ensure a balance is maintained between expanding facilities and protecting critical lands and waters.
New Regulations for Air Quality Permits Near Environmental Justice Populations
On March 28, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced changes to state air pollution regulations. Facilities seeking emissions permits will now be required to conduct a site-specific cumulative impact analysis (CIA) which evaluates existing local environmental and health conditions in a community. The regulations also require enhanced public outreach to, and meaningful involvement of, environmental justice populations in the permitting process. “This approach takes a holistic look at what existing conditions might be worsened by a new or increasing source of air pollution,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. The new regulations apply to comprehensive plan applications submitted on or after July 1, 2024. Learn more.
New National Drinking Water Standard for PFAS
On April 10, the Biden-Harris Administration issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals.’ Exposure to PFAS has been linked to deadly cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children. The final rule will reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses. In addition, the Administration announced that EPA is providing nearly $1 billion in newly available funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states and territories implement PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems and to help owners of private wells address PFAS contamination. Learn more.
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Over $3 Million in Grants Awarded to Support Farmers
In celebration of Massachusetts Agriculture Day on April 3, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced over $3 million in grants to support Massachusetts farmers through programs that improve composting efforts, food safety, cranberry bog restoration, stewardship, and business planning. Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle also announced the formation and inaugural members of the Massachusetts Agricultural Youth Council. Composed of high school seniors, the council will cultivate and foster the next generation of leaders in the agriculture industry in Massachusetts. Read more.
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Dam Busters 101: Monthly Lunchtime Webinar Series
First Wednesday of each month through July, noon – 1:00 pm.
Sponsored by DER, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and CRWA, each webinar focuses on a dam removal topic, features an expert, and offers time for questions and discussion. The goal is to give municipal and non-profit dam removal project managers the knowledge they need to successfully manage and carry out a dam removal project. Attend one or all. An in-person site visit is planned at the end of the series in the fall of 2024. Register. View previous sessions.
Tribal Forestry: Understanding Current Issues and Challenges Thursdays January 18 – April 25, noon – 12:55 pm. (not March 21)
This series will focus on the current state of tribal forest management and Indigenous stewardship, with speakers from different tribes, universities, non-profits, and agencies. Topics will include: the history of forest stewardship on tribal lands in North America, federal laws and tribal forestry, contemporary uses of plants and wildlife stewardship, fire, conclusions from the Indian Forest Management Assessment (IFMAT), tribal co-management, and the future of tribal forestry in the face of climate change. Free. CEUs available for attending foresters. Co-developed and co-hosted by The Forest School and the Yale Center for Environmental Justice at Yale School of the Environment, and Salish Kootenai College. Learn more and register.
NEW! Panel Discussion Beyond the “Illusion of Perseveration” Wednesday April 17, 12:00-1:30 pm.
Hosted by the Northern Forest Center, this panel will discuss Beyond the "Illusion of Preservation", a recent publication that sets forth an ambitious vision for 2060 to protect forests, reduce consumption, and expand ecological forestry to remedy production and consumption imbalances in New England, and propel us toward meeting urgent climate and biodiversity goals. Learn more and register. Read the publication here.
NEW! NRCS Informational Webinar Tuesday April 23, 7:00-8:00 pm.
Tune in for an overview of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) programs and how they can assist in planning and funding land management projects. Margaret "Maggie" Hayes, Soil Conservationist with NRCS, will present the webinar. Register. NEW! Make Your Meetings Better Friday April 26, 12:00-1:00 pm.
In this interactive Lunch & Learn, Julia Solomin, principal of Shadbush Consulting, will provide tools and tips for designing and facilitating more effective, meaningful meetings. From a simple check-in with a colleague, to a conversation with your board of directors about a major decision, to an engagement session with dozens of constituents, meetings come in many forms and serve many purposes. Ensuring that meetings run smoothly is crucial for your desired outcomes. Learn more and register.
NEW! Marine and Coastal Invasives in a Changing Climate: Virtual Networking Tuesday April 30, 12:00-1:15 pm.
This virtual event will allow for you to connect with fellow practitioners and researchers to discuss your work around marine and coastal invasive species in a changing climate. Those working with any taxa and ecosystem are welcome! This Zoom event is co-hosted by Mass ECAN and the Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (RISCC) Management Network. Register.
Building a Strategic Fundraising Program – A Short Course for Massachusetts Land Trusts May 2, 9, 23 (Thursdays) and 29 (Wednesday), 4:00 - 5:15 pm via zoom. See details under MLTC News and Programs above. Landscape-Scale Land Conservation: Steps to Success
Five consecutive Tuesdays from May 7 June 4, 4:00 - 6:00 pm via zoom. See details under MLTC News and Programs above.
Build Your Skills in Conservation GIS: The Wildlands Trust Stewardship Training Center is partnering with Essex County Greenbelt to host a series of virtual workshops in the fall of 2024 for those interested in learning about how GIS is used in the field of land conservation. Please fill out this form if interested.
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In-Person Events and Outings |
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MDAR’S First Annual Agricultural Resource Fair Friday April 12, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Mass Wildlife Headquarters, Westborough (registration not required but greatly appreciated)
Non-Profit agricultural stakeholders and service providers including Federal-State Partners will be offering the Massachusetts agricultural farming community up-to-date timely information on services, funding, and technical assistance resources. The Fair’s goal is to help make agricultural industries in Massachusetts sustainable and viable. For more information contact Mary Jordan. Register.
2024 Maine Land Conservation Conference April 12 & 13 (Friday & Saturday) Registration is open for the 2024 Maine Land Conservation Conference in Topsham. Read about all the happenings, explore workshops and register on the MLTN website.
NEW! DCR Park Serve Day Saturday April 20 (note some events are happening on different days)
DCR holds Park Serve Day annually, in conjunction with Earth Week, to provide volunteer opportunities throughout the Massachusetts State Park system, from Nickerson State Park to Mount Greylock State Reservation. Volunteers will help clean coastlines, clear trails, pick up litter, plant flowers, and do painting and other projects at 63 events at 35 locations across the Commonwealth. Learn more and register.
Field Trips - 2024 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference Fridays, April 26 and May 17, field trips around the state. See more above, under MLTC News and Programs. Vernal Pool Conservation Workshop Wednesday May 8, 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Plymouth, MA.
This workshop will explore the importance of vernal pools and how land trusts may wish to consider them in conservation decision-making. During a classroom session and a field session, learn about vernal pool ecology and how vernal pools can be used to measure the conservation value of land. Discuss potential stewardship practices, including the certification of vernal pool habitat. Participants should be willing and able to spend an afternoon hiking through potentially steep and/or wet areas. Register.
NEW! Seasonal Land Stewardship Training
June 10 and 11 (Monday & Tuesday), 8:00 am-4:30 pm.
Get your seasonal land stewards trained for the summer. Stewardship professionals from the Buzzards Bay Coalition, Wildlands Trust, the Town of Plymouth Natural Resources Department, Sudbury Valley Trustees, and Mattapoisett Land Trust are collaborating to present an introductory training program for seasonal land stewards. This will be a great opportunity for seasonals to obtain training in core stewardship competencies, network with peers, and learn collaboratively from professional land stewards. Learn more and register.
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Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grants
Application deadline: Friday April 12, 4:00 pm.
These grants are for Massachusetts municipalities to replace undersized, perched, and/or degraded culverts in areas with high ecological value with new structures that meet environmental design and structural standards along with flood resiliency criteria. Check the DER website for the RFR (Request for Responses) opening, recorded grant briefings, and other technical resources on these grants.
Landscape Partnership Grants Application deadline: Thursday April 18, 3:00 pm.
The goal of these grants is to protect large blocks of conservation land, with minimum qualifying acreage varying by county. 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. Grants up to $1,250,000 are available in this round. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of the info sessions. Email Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov to register. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Network for Landscape Conservation: Catalyst Fund Application deadline: Friday April 26.
The Catalyst Fund strives to accelerate the pace and practice of landscape conservation and stewardship across the United States by making strategic investments in strengthening the collaborative capacity of place-based, community-grounded Landscape Partnerships. A portion of the Catalyst Fund is dedicated to supporting Indigenous leadership in landscape conservation and stewardship. We especially invite Partnerships that are led by Tribes and/or Indigenous peoples, organizations, and communities to learn more and apply.
LAND and PARC Grant Programs Information sessions: Monday May 6, 11:00 am at DFW Field Headquarters and Thursday May 9, 2:00 pm via Teams.
Application deadline: Thursday July 11, 3:00 pm.
The Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs' Division of Conservation Services is seeking applications to the FY 2025 LAND and PARC Grant Programs. The LAND Grant Program is for municipal conservation commissions looking to protect conservation land. The PARC Grant Program is for municipalities looking to acquire parkland, renovate an existing park, and develop a new park. DCS will hold two workshops for the PARC and LAND grants. Please email Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov to RSVP for either session if you are interested in applying for a PARC grant. Please email Vanessa Farny at vanessa.farny@mass.gov to RSVP for either session if you are interested in applying for a LAND grant.
Funding for MA Forest Landowners to Improve Native Wildlife Habitat Application deadline: Friday May 10.
Offered through the Massachusetts Collaborative for Private Forestland – Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), these funds support improving and protecting wildlife habitat on private forest land in Massachusetts. Eligible landowners must own forestland in Massachusetts that is at least 10 acres. Applications received by May 10 will be ranked and considered for funding in fiscal year 2024. Learn more.
NEW! 2024 Long Island Sound Futures Fund Grants info webinar: Monday April 15, 2:00-3:00pm Application deadline: Monday May 13,11:59 pm.
The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is seeking proposals to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound (CT, MA, NH, NY, & VT) with approximately $12 million for grants in 2024. The program is managed by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). Organizations, especially in Western MA, are encouraged to apply. Note that in Massachusetts, LISFF funds are directed to nitrogen and nutrient reduction projects. Learn more and apply. Register for webinar.
NEW! Land and Climate Grant Program Application deadline: Friday May 17.
The Open Space Institute and Land Trust Alliance are currently accepting proposals for the 2024 round of the Land and Climate Grant Program. The grant helps land trusts, other nonprofit organizations, and state and federally recognized Tribes, integrate climate science into strategic land protection or forest stewardship plans. The Program will provide support for the development of strategic land protection or forest stewardship plans that promote 1) habitat resilience, 2) carbon mitigation and/or 3) community adaptation to climate impacts such as flooding, drought, fire, or extreme heat. Learn more and apply.
Ocean Hour Farm Inaugural Grants Application deadline: rolling until Friday May 31.
The purpose of these inaugural grants from Ocean Hour Farm – a center for education, scientific research, and demonstrations of regenerative agriculture based in Newport, RI – is to help fill knowledge and infrastructure gaps in order to accelerate and support an inclusive transition to regenerative land management. Proposals should focus on one or more of these: skills development and transition mentoring; redesigning food and fiber systems; redistribution of resources; and/or data collection. Awards range between $10,000 and $75,000. Projects must offer a direct benefit to food and fibershed within an approximately 100-mile radius from Newport, RI. Learn more.
NEW! 2024 SNEP Opportunity to Advance Resilience (SOAR) Fund Info Session: Friday April 26, 11:00-1:00 pm. Application deadline: Friday June 7, 11:59 pm.
This funding opportunity will invest $1.25M of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to improve and support the resilience of disadvantaged communities throughout the SNEP region with meaningful community involvement as it relates to the design and implementation of projects to address the anticipated effects of climate change and the historic, long-term impacts of environmental and social injustices. Link to info session. Learn more.
NEW! Cranberry Bog Acquisition for Restoration Program Application deadline: Thursday June 13, 5:00 pm.
The Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs’ Division of Conservation Services is seeking applications for the Cranberry Bog Acquisition for Restoration program. This program provides funding to assist qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, and other qualified conservation organizations in acquiring interests in land containing retired or soon to be retired cranberry bogs and associated uplands for the purpose of subsequent ecological restoration to natural wetland habitat and provision of broader ecosystem services. Funding can be used for acquisition of land or a CR, or for due diligence costs associated with donated land or CRs to an eligible applicant. For more information or questions, contact Darya Mattes. Learn more and apply.
NEW! Wild and Scenic Rivers Land Protection Grants - Nashua Watershed Application deadline: Friday June 14.
The Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers Wild and Scenic Stewardship Council offers Land Protection Grants to support projects that protect and/or enhance the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers. The grants support municipalities, land conservation organizations, and state agencies in protecting riverfront and watershed lands and in building strong local stewardship of the rivers. Funds can support acquisition, transaction, and due diligence costs associated with land protection. Applications will be accepted for projects within the communities of Ayer, Bolton, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Lancaster, Pepperell, Shirley, and Townsend in Massachusetts; and Brookline and Hollis in New Hampshire. Projects in other Nashua River watershed communities that benefit the outstanding resource values of these three rivers will also be considered. Learn more. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Stewardship Council Chair, Lucy Wallace, lbwallace34@aol.com to confirm their eligibility. Email application materials to emma_lord@nps.gov.
National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Application deadline: Friday June 21.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has announced the 2025 National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant (NCWCG) funding opportunity, which provides grants for projects that protect and restore valuable coastal wetland resources. The NCWCG Program provides eligible State agencies with grants for projects that protect and restore valuable coastal wetland resources. Tribes, local governments, conservation organizations, and private landowners are encouraged to work with state agencies to develop a project and submit an application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to their WSFR Regional Office point of contact prior to the deadline for any clarifications on eligibility. Apply.
Conservation Partnership Grant Program Application deadline: Monday July 15, 3:00 pm.
The Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs' Division of Conservation Services is seeking applications to the FY 2025 Conservation Partnership Grant Program. Conservation Partnership grants are for 501(c)(3) organizations looking for assistance in acquiring land in fee or a conservation restriction, as well as assistance with due diligence costs associated with gifts. Maximum awards have been increased to $300,000 in this grant round. For questions, contact Melissa Cryan. Apply.
New England Grassroots Environmental Fund Application Deadline: Tuesday September 17.
The Grassroots Fund invites applications for its Grow Grants program, which will award up to $4,000 in support of grassroots efforts and community-based environmental work in New England. The program is geared toward groups that have some experience implementing a project in their community, and grants will enable groups to deepen their work by further developing a community vision, lowering barriers to participation, identifying new stakeholders, and working to bring more voices and lived experiences into core decision-making processes. 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. Questions? Contact solarmoonshot@hcs.foundation. Learn more and apply.
Supporting Underserved and Small-Acreage Forest Landowner Participation Application deadline: reviewed quarterly, with final deadline Wednesday August 21.
These grants, funded by the US Forest Service, support the participation of underserved or small-acreage forest landowners in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience. Learn more and apply.
Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Partnership Grants Applications accepted on a rolling basis starting 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 and 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 Application deadline: on a rolling basis through Monday, November 21
These U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants will award up to 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.
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! Takeaways from MASS ECAN Workshop
A summary of talking points from MASS ECAN Workshop, Funding for Watershed-Scale Collaboration has been released. Read up on what was discussed and deliberated during the 2-hour virtual event that included 37 attendees who represented watershed associations, private consultants, funders, conservation organizations, state agencies and municipal governments here.
NEW! Webinar Recording: Forest Carbon Tools
The USDA Forest Service partnered with the Open Space Institute to host a webinar introducing tools to help land trusts, municipalities, and others integrate forest protection into their efforts to capture and sequester atmospheric carbon and avoid future emissions. Watch the webinar recording and explore resources here. NEW! National Conservation Planning Partnership Survey
The National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP) is sponsoring this survey to gather information on your level of support, knowledge, and experience with conservation planning and the conservation planning process. This survey is a component of the NCPP's newly developed strategic plan. Your identification of barriers can help the NCPP address factors that impede the initial certification of new planners and advancing to the next planner certification level. Your feedback will also provide an understanding of the barriers to the conservation planning process. Most importantly, the NCPP is interested in ways to overcome any of the limitations and barriers identified.
NEW! UAP's Spring 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 Spring Program season runs March through May. Learn more. CPA Bootcamp
The Community Preservation Coalition (CPC) periodically hosts online training for CPA communities, members of local Community Preservation Committees, and local advocates, covering a variety of CPA topics. This one-hour training session was a condensed version of the full CPC orientation that is provided to new CPA communities. Watch the recording here.
Conservation Easements: Legal Principles, Valuation, and Applications: Online Course: self paced
The course begins with an introduction and overview of conservation easements, setting the stage to explore their uses in land policy. Throughout the modules, students will also review the legal principles, valuation methods, and federal tax provisions associated with conservation easements, while gaining insights from real-world examples and exploring strategies to address controversial aspects of this tool. Register.
NEW! Multiflora Rose: Tackling Large Infestations
The Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee is working with landowners and local contractors to remove invasive plants and restore habitat along headwater streams. This short video explains how sometimes using a backhoe is the best way to tackle the infestation. John Burns helps viewers understand the long-term commitment and goals of the project. Link to video.
NEW! Avoid Trouble with Turkeys
Wild turkey breeding season starts in March and lasts through May. During this time, turkeys can display aggressive behaviors towards people—especially in areas where they are being fed. Removing bird feeders and other sources of food is the best way to prevent conflicts with turkeys. Learn more. |
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