Strengthening Land Trusts. Advancing Land Conservation.

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. This meeting, MLTC will be asking for input on projects supported with state funding: Filling in gaps in the MassGIS open space datalayer, and expanding the ranks for qualified appraisers, surveyors and attorneys available to work on conservation projects. The meeting will not be recorded.

With Sheri Widdis, Denise Galvao, and Tom McHugh 

This seminar will introduce the new Conservation Restriction Tracking System (CRTS), which is a new digital platform designed to streamline and modernize the submission and review process for Conservation Restrictions (CRs) to EEA- Division of Conservation Services (EEA-DCS). Through CRTS, members of the public will be able to submit a CR, monitor its progress, and engage in the review process conducted by EEA-DCS. CRTS will assist EEA-DCS in ensuring that each CR is evaluated efficiently, in a timely manner, and for its public benefit, a core priority of the EEA Secretariat & EEA-DCS. This workshop will provide an overview of CRTS functionality, demonstrate its user interface, and highlight how it supports both EEA -DCS and the broader community in advancing land protection efforts across the Commonwealth.

With Richard Cavanaugh and Charlie Foster 

Saltmarshes are vital habitat for fish and wildlife and for coastal resilience for people and nature. To accelerate work on saltmarsh protection and restoration, the Coastal Working Group of the Resilient Lands Conservation Coalition developed an actionable work plan. The Nature Conservancy, the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, and BSC Group, will share the objectives, barriers, needs, and actions identified in the plan as well as a GIS analysis and tool to help identify where there are opportunities to protect and restore saltmarshes and to assist their migration due to increased storm activity and rising sea levels.

This call is a forum for anyone involved in running an All-Volunteer Land Trust to learn from each other and tackle their unique challenges. Today's focus topic will be "Liability Considerations and Risk". It's a broad topic, and attendees' questions and experiences will mold the discussion.  Part of MLTC's Stronger Together networking program. This call will not be recorded. Newcomers welcome!