As I write this in the fall of 2006, I can say now that our Board and staff are optimistic we will reach our goal of $14 million to buy conservation restrictions to preserve the Loring land. It was a different story fifteen months ago. At the beginning of this fiscal year, a year into Nantucket’s largest conservation project ever, we were not at all sure of success.
 
What happened to so dramatically turn the tide during the past year? It appears to be the result of several factors. First, it simply took time to spread the word in the community. Over a two year period, the Land Council handed out thousands of brochures and ran hundreds of ads in local papers. We held a dozen meetings in the Eel Point neighborhood, met with potential donors, and responded to questions and concerns. We held a number of events, including a Children’s Day at the Loring property, and hosted an elegant evening at Galley Beach in September.

In January 2006, the Land Council bravely paid a second non-refundable $500,000 payment to extend the options for another year. This convinced many that we were determined to succeed. When the fiscal year ended in June, we sensed that most of Nantucket understood the project and, moreover, that they at last firmly embraced the effort. Finally, more and more people gradually believed we would achieve our goal, and many donors began stepping up and committing major funds to help do so.

While preserving the 270 acre Loring expanse undoubtedly achieves our mission to protect the natural environment, a constant focus for the Land Council is tracking new development proposals. To do so, we attend meetings of the Planning Board and Conservation Commission, and we follow issues before the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Health and Zoning Board of Appeals. At times, we join citizens to appeal decisions.

Also, throughout the year, we work with teachers at local schools to augment environmental education; we help private property owners to save open space via conservation restrictions; we undertake scientific research on Nantucket’s flora, fauna, and ground water; and we provide consistent and relevant environmental updates to the community.

But, we can achieve nothing without our supporting members. You value natural resources on Nantucket now and for the future. We will continue to succeed in our ambitious environmental mission only with your support. On behalf of all the directors and staff, a very sincere Thank you!

Larry Breakiron
President