About the West Boylston Land Trust
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What is the West Boylston Land Trust?
The West Boylston Land Trust is a non-profit land conservation organization established in March 2000. It is dedicated to the preservation of the natural beauty and rural character of the Town of West Boylston. The Trust is guided by a rotating board of 11 trustees, all residents or landowners in the town.
Today, in Massachusetts, land is being bought and developed at an unprecendented pace. Hundreds of acres of rural landscape are lost to development every week. West Boylston, like so many other Massachusetts towns, has experienced growth in recent years and with completion of the sewer project many more acres may become available for building and development.
Although the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) owns a large amount of open space surrounding the Wachusett Reservoir, its land is very restricted and is mostly unavailable for general recreational use.
Our natural settings -- forests, fields, uplands, and wetlands -- play an important role in what we define as community character. If we are to retain the unique and special character of West Boylston, we must take action before it is lost.
What are the Land Trust's Objectives?
The West Boylston Land Trust seeks to conserve, protect, and preserve for the benefit of ourselves and future generations:
- Woodlands, ponds, streams, wetlands and wildlife habitat
- Agricultural lands and historic sites
- Natural areas for public enjoyment
How Does the Land Trust Work?
- It acquires or holds open space through gift, purchase or conservation restrictions.
- It helps landowners protect their property from development while enjoying tax benefits
- It encourages the wise use of West Boylston's natural resources.
- It promotes the application of sound conservation and land-use planning practices.
- It furthers the land planning policies of the town's Open Space and Recreation Plan.
How Can the Trust Help Me as a Land Owner?
As a tax-exempt organization under section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the West Boylston Land Trust is qualified to receive charitable donations of land. In many cases, tax law incentives make it financially advantageous for you to set your land aside in perpetuity.
The Trust also acquires and holds Conservation Restrictions -- an estate-planning tool which enables a landowner to donate to the Land Trust the right to develop his/her property while retaining ownership and use. The Trust welcomes your inquiry about various possibilities.
Board of Trustees
There are currently 10 members of the Board of Trustees:
George Bernardin, President
Ted Gallagher, Membership
Mike Peckar, Treasurer
Dave Sweetman, Secretary
Diane Gilson, newsletter
Betsy DeMallie
Julianne DeRivera
Gerry Gomes
Aaron Goodale
Bob Tashjian
Comments or suggestions relating to the activities of the Land Trust are welcome, and may be directed to any of the Trustees. The Land Trust
can be contacted through the mail at P.O. Box 25, West Boylston, MA 01583