YOUR Environmental Advocate Since 1974 Nantucket Land & Water Council
O U 2 0 2 3
ANNUAL REPORT
We Defend Clean Water with Clear Action
The Nantucket Land & Water Council is Nantucket’s environmental advocate.
Thanks to YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT the NLWC acts as the Nantucket Waterkeeper all year long: paying attention, raising awareness and taking action on behalf of our island’s treasured fresh and saltwater resources. We are the eyes and ears for Nantucket’s waterways with the goal of preserving FISHABLE, SWIMMABLE, DRINKABLE WATERS for all!
See something? Say something. Email RJ@nantucketlandwater.org with your water resource questions and concerns.
With YOUR help, the Nantucket Land & Water Council has been protecting Nantucket’s land and water resources for more than 50 years.
THANK YOU!
Message from our Executive Director and Board President DEAR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS,
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we announce the 50th Anniversary of the Nantucket Land & Water Council!
In the early days the NLWC focused on protecting the public’s interest in historic sheep commons that was under increasing pressure for development. Our efforts in Land Court, and in collaboration with our island conservation partners, resulted in the permanent protection of over 1000 acres throughout Squam, Smooth Hummocks, and the Middle Moors, subsequently, we have protected over 1,500 acres through our ongoing Conservation Restriction Program.
In addition to this important land protection work, the NLWC has a long history of water protection. We worked with consultants to map groundwater flow, supporting the creation of the island’s current watershed map. We led the effort for the designation of the island’s groundwater as a Sole Source Aquifer by the EPA in 1984, as well as the formal delineation of our municipal Wellhead Protection District, all of which continue to protect our public waters today.
Our primary purpose has always been to provide a voice for Nantucket’s environment. The NLWC team spends significant time attending local regulatory meetings, reviewing development proposals, discussing policies, and when needed will hire expert consultants for further investigation of local environmental issues. Our role as Nantucket’s only environmental advocate has not changed, in fact it is more important than ever. As our island continues to evolve under pressure from development and in the face of a changing climate, it is critical that we move forward with immense awareness of how our choices are impacting the long term health of our environment and our community. The NLWC will continue to seek alternatives and improvements to any policies and practices that lead to harm, and encourage broad participation from the Nantucket community in charting our course for the future.
Throughout 2024 we reflect back on all that has been accomplished since our founding in 1974. We will also be looking ahead with a clear focus on preserving the health of our island’s waters, and by extension, the health of our community, along with many other critical efforts for the next 50 years.
We Pay Attention, We Raise Awareness, and We Take Action. We do it for all of you, but we cannot do it without you. Please Join Us!
With appreciation,
Emily Molden Executive Director
Lucy Dillon President
NLWC is YOUR Environmental ADVOCATE…
• We responded to the furtive and dramatic clear-cutting of the proposed 40B development site (Surfside Crossing) off of South Shore Road by developers Josh Posner and Jamie Feeley on an early Saturday morning in January, merely one day before the guidelines for the newly listed Federally endangered Northern Long-Eared Bat were released. We continued fighting the Comprehensive Permit for this project, culminating in a lengthy hearing at Nantucket Superior Court in October.
• We advocated for future protection of Nantucket’s public water supply by contributing formal legal opinions to the state on the constitutional Article 97 protection afforded to the water company’s Wyer’s Valley property. This location was the proposed site for a solar installation, which would have undermined the existing protections and threatened the site in the future.
• We attended local Select Board, Planning Board, Conservtion Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Coastal Resilience Advisory Committee, and Board of Health meetings, virtually or in person, to advocate for policies and decisions that protect and preserve our island’s natural resources and to be a VOICE for our island environment!
• We reviewed each Annual Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting warrant articles and prepared recommendations for Nantucket voters on all articles that related to our mission, including recommendations against increased density and development in environmentally sensitive areas, and advocacy for appropriate short term rental policy.
• We submitted testimony, in writing, to support Bill H2104— An Act relative to the preservation of wetlands and water resources in Chapter 40B applications. This Bill would amend Chapter 40B by preserving local discretion to enforce wetlands or water resources protection bylaws in Chapter 40B developments.
• We improved the outcome of many permits through our advocacy at the local regulatory level, including the increased stormwater management requirements for nitrogen removal at the new Sparks Avenue development within the Harbor watershed, and the denial of an inappropriate pool in the sensitive Moorlands Management District.
articles reviewed for 2023 Annual Town Meeting
hours spent reviewing proposals & attending Coastal Resilience meetings, writing letters & commenting
hours spent reviewing proposals, writing letters, and attending municipal meetings,
Advocate of the Year
The NLWC would like to recognize and celebrate an up-andcoming community advocate, Carley Ray. For her Girl Scout Gold Award, Carley decided to help improve our Harbor and educate the public through an oyster upweller, which is essentially an oyster incubator used to grow shellfish.
Carley partnered with NLWC, the Shellfish Hatchery, Nantucket Land Bank, and MassOyster Project to build an oyster upweller. Utilizing an old hatchery tank, Carley built a custom oyster upweller with help from her dad, the NHS shop class and her advisor, Leah Hill. NLWC funded the components, the Hatchery provided oyster seed, MassOyster helped acquire the necessary permits, and the Land Bank Commission voted unanimously to host the upweller at their Petrel Landing site. Carley created how-to videos for volunteers, educational signage, and is completing a website to teach the public about how upwellers work. Amazing work, Carley!
Carley Ray working with oyster seeds
Nantucket Waterkeeper, RJ Turcotte shows off the Upweller signage funded by the NLWC
In 2023, the Nantucket Land & Water Council continued to uphold and protect the island’s open space through land conservation, education, and advocacy. NLWC staff spent the year attending public meetings and paying attention to local regulations and laws to ensure a just and secure environment for the future. The NLWC carried on its fight against the Surfside Crossing project, the developers of which actively worked against the best interest of our community, ignoring the needs of our people and environment.
• Over the last 50 years, the NLWC has worked to sustain its vital Conservation Restriction (CR) program. CRs represent an agreement between landowners and nonprofit or
governmental organizations to permanently protect and steward specific parcels of land. CR donors are key members in aiding the NLWC in our efforts to preserve the island’s environment.
• The NLWC remains in partnership with other conservation organizations across the island. Through our collaborative efforts with land-owning entities including the Tuckernuck Land Trust, The Nantucket Islands Land Bank, the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, and the ‘Sconset Trust, the NLWC has continued to protect and conserve the island’s open space.
acres of land permanently protected—1500+ through our CR program, and 1000+ through early Land Court litigation
separate CR properties acres of pristine open space permanently protected on Tuckernuck and Meskeget Islands
At right: Heller’s Way Property permanently protected by the NLWC through our Conservation Restriction program
THANKS to YOU
Above: NLWC Executive Director, Emily Molden, Environmental Program Coordinator, Willa Arsenault, and Board Member, Matt Haffenreffer, inspect CRs on Tuckernuck Island.
In 2023, NLWC’s research initiatives and partnerships were extensive.
• We worked with Dr. George Knoecklein of Northeast Aquatics Research, Inc. and Phoenix Labs to collect additional data that should provide insight into the source of phosphorus that has driven Capaum’s Harmful Algal Blooms over the past several years. We more than doubled our typical sampling efforts, adding a second sampling site and a set of dissolved oxygen and temperature sensors, and we collected multiple sediment samples from the bottom of the pond. These sampling efforts resulted in two reports for Capaum—the one compiled by longtime NLWC scientific advisor Dr. Jim Sutherland (which also included data on Gibbs and Washing ponds), as well as a separate report compiled using the additional data by Dr. George Knoecklein. This information will support the Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s efforts to manage Capaum effectively in the long term and hopefully help us address what has been ailing this beautiful island pond.
• 2023 also marked the beginning of our PFAS Pilot Well Test Project. As part of this project, launched in August, the NLWC is collecting 300+ private well samples from across Nantucket to assist Notre Dame University in validating a groundbreaking new method to screen for PFAS chemicals in drinking water. This new method of testing for PFAS, known as “Total Organic Fluorine” (TOF) screening, uses a particle collider machine affectionately known as “PIGE” to detect the presence of forever chemicals. The test will be validated by comparing it to established laboratory tests being used by local, state, and federal agencies. The new PFAS test should be affordable (less than $50) and far simpler for the average homeowner to use than what is currently available. Through this project, we hope to empower not only our own community but other communities across the country to determine whether their water is safe to drink and, if it is not, to provide some simple options and next steps for filtration and further testing.
• NLWC continues to improve and streamline the eelgrass seeding effort both at the Shellfish Hatchery, where the seeds are processed and spend the summer, and at the restoration site, where our permit grants us the ability to try multiple methods and determine which works best for Nantucket.
• In partnership with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the NLWC not only continues to monitor groundwater levels across the island each month but we are also looking into automating these wells in the future so that real-time data can be available online for managing the aquifer and informing the public. One well is already automated, and we hope to add a second in 2024. Stay tuned!
NLWC volunteer harvests eelgrass seeds
Eelgrass shoots harvested from our Monomoy restoration site
Nantucket Waterkeeper, RJ Turcotte researching Capaum Pond
is Helping EDUCATE Future Generations of Environmentalists!
• NLWC held land and water-based tours of our beautiful island with a variety of island organizations such as the Town of Nantucket, Nantucket Land Bank, Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Linda Loring Nature Foundation, and UMass Boston Nantucket Field Station.
• Our Karen K. Borchert Educational Grant Program supplied local educators and their students with funds to support birding, off-island field trips, snorkeling in our harbor, and hydroponic gardening.
• We hosted the New England Regional Waterkeeper partners on a trip to Nantucket to collaborate on research interests and provide educational opportunities on our Nantucket Waterkeeper Program.
• Executive Director, Emily Molden, participated as a featured speaker at the University of
Vermont’s Water Symposium held at the Nantucket Yacht Club in August. This collaborative event brought together local and regional partners to share insights and strategies for addressing some of the most pressing climate and environmental threats to the health and security of our water resources.
• Our 7th Annual State of the Harbor Forum featured Dr. Alyssa Novak of Boston University and drew approximately 200 people to hear the results of our Nantucket and Madaket Harbors Eelgrass Health Assessment. She clearly educated the audience and conveyed to them the reality that reducing fertilizer input could significantly improve the quality of our harbor waters and eelgrass habitat.
THANKS to YOU
As part of the Waterkeeper Alliance conference, RJ and Emily
15 dollars of grant funding provided 4,800 Nantucket students impacted by our grants 150+
public and private educational programs
RJ with Nantucket Junior Yacht Club seining for fish
enjoy a tour of the MA Alternative Septic System test Center
Waterkeeper Alliance NE Regional Summit attendees on Nantucket
Nantucket Elementary School 4th graders take a field trip with RJ to view erosion on ‘Sconset bluff
Left to right; NLWC Executive Director Emily Molden, with UVM Vice President of Economic Research & Development Kirk Dombrowski, UVM President Suresh Garimella, and UVM Professer Dr. Beverley Wemple at the UVM Water Symposium
NLWC is CREATING AWARENESS of the Critical Mission We Work to Uphold Year-round, Island-wide: Protecting and Preserving our Natural and Water Resources. JOIN US!
• Our 2023 Trashtag litter clean-up, in collaboration with The Nantucket Clean Team, was a fantastic success and so much fun! Over 25 participants met at the Surfside Beach parking lot and collected enough trash around the area to fill a dump truck! Participants of all ages and folks who live here year-round, along with those who were just visiting, joined together to beautify our roadsides and beaches.
• On Friday, June 30th, many members of our NLWC Water Fund Founders Circle joined us on the town pier to celebrate the naming of our new Waterkeeper boat, “The MaryRandolph” and the launch of our summer water protection programs! Emily Molden, our Executive Director, tossed an honorary shot of green crab whiskey over the boat while Noah Singer, our Eelgrass Restoration Manager, placed the symbolic bayberry bough across the bow, and the group raised our glasses in a toast of celebration and gratitude to NLWC board member and Water Fund supporter, Mary-Randolph Ballinger who generously donated the newly-named Waterkeeper boat to the NLWC in the fall of 2022!
• The NLWC Associates and our Friends Fête Host Committee in collaboration with the Almanack Arts Colony were delighted to host our annual Friends Fête event in July with almost 200 attendees. Many thanks to PURE Insurance for sponsoring this event. Guests enjoyed wine by Donelan Family Wines, beer and cocktails by Cisco Brewers, music by The Chris Hanson Band, dancing, YoHo Raw Bar, and delicious food by Mark and Eithne of Nantucket Catering Co.
• Susan Baer, and her family graciously invited the NLWC and members to their gorgeous home in Tom Nevers for our NLWC Annual Labor Day Dinner. This event is our PRIMARY fundraising event each year, and what a magical night it was! A sincere Thank You to our 2023 Table Hosts: Bob and Barbara Friedman, Susan Baer and
Nancy Gillespie, Mary-Randolph Ballinger, Peter and Bonnie McCausland, Bill and Margi Brenizer, Charlie and Emmy Kilvert, Ritchie Battle, Brooks and Meredyth Smith, Lucy Dillon, The Cox/Bartram/Farrell Families and our Event Co-Chairs Mary-Randolph Ballinger and Susan Baer.
• Our beautiful and informative Winter and Water Newsletters were distributed island-wide and are available on our website anytime. Stay up-to-date with the NLWC’s programs, projects, tours, and events by reading our newsletters, subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter, and following us on social media @acklandandwater—we love to hear from the community.
• Over 3,000 observations were recorded by more than 120 participants this year as a part of our NLWC Associates “Bioblitz” citizen science project in July alone! Thanks to our partner, the Linda Loring Nature Foundation, and to our NLWC Associates: Helen Weeks, Jen Garran, William Johnson, Margaret Troast, Leah Mojer, and Chad Kilvert for executing this fun community science event!
• Nantucket Land & Water Council participated in Cisco’s 2023 Trashion Show as a Steampunk Superhero—the PFAS Piggy! The “PFAS Piggy” (PIGE) refers to a specialized technique of blasting water samples with subatomic particles that can identify the presence of “forever chemicals” (PFAS). Many thanks to Cisco Brewers, Holly Finigan, and all who participated, for their efforts to raise awareness about Nantucket’s fragile environment and for donating some of the proceeds to the NLWC. A huge shout-out and thank you go to our talented designers and volunteers, Emma Young, Rowan Blake, and NLWC Summer Interns!
RJ at Trashion show as the “PFAS PIGE”. Photo by Tran Photography.
NLWC Water Circle founders gather to celebrate the naming of the “Mary Randolph”—our new Waterkeeper boat!
Photo by Preston Harrimon of Grey Lady.
Guests gather to hear Emily speak at the Annual Dinner. Photo Bill Hoenk.
Happy attendees at Friends Fête
Dear Nantucket Land and Water Council Members,
I am pleased to present the 2023 statement of financial position for the Nantucket Land and Water Council (“NLWC”). Our balance sheet in 2023 was robust, bolstered by strong capital markets which supported our endowment’s performance, and from the generosity of our membership which has continued to provide both support and donations that enable the NLWC to further its mission to protect and preserve Nantucket’s environment.
Support from our Nantucket community was strong in 2023. Our levels of participation grew, with our existing members continuing to support the NLWC and many new members joining our committed organization through the year, offering their time, their voice and their support. In our 49th year of operation, we received a record year of restricted and unrestricted gifts in 2023, totaling $749,374, a 20% increase from gifts received in 2022.
Fifty years on, your gifts remain the lifeblood of our organization. They allow us to continue focusing resources on land protection, education, research and advocacy year-round on the island. Specifically, in 2023 the donations have gone directly towards funding our programs and projects including eelgrass habitat restoration in the harbor, sampling the private wells of island residents for PFAS contamination, studying coastal plastics, informing voters via our annual Town Meeting recommendations, classroom and community education trips and tours, our Conservation Restriction program, reviewing proposals before local regulatory boards including the Conservation Commission, Select, Zoning, and Planning Boards and the Board of Health, among others, to ensure that our island environment has a voice, and so much more.
We are also grateful to members who contributed to the NLWC by volunteering their time. We appreciate those who participated in the NLWC’s mission through advocacy at the Annual Town Meeting and regulatory meetings, through volunteering, and by attending our annual fundraising events. Your participation has been critical.
The NLWC Board of Directors is a dedicated group of Nantucket residents with a passion for our mission and our work. We are available to hear your ideas, thoughts and concerns; please feel free to email nlwc@nantucketlandwater.org or visit our office at 6 Ash Lane.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurel Ried Langworthy Treasurer
BALANCE SHEET
Conservation Restrictions
Legacy Circle &
Planned Giving
YOUR LEGACY IS OUR FUTURE
By including the Nantucket Land & Water Council—the island’s environmental advocate— in your estate plans you are electing to become a steward of Nantucket’s treasured land and water resources for future generations.
There are a variety of ways you can make a gift. Please visit nantucketlandwater.org/ support/legacy-circle/ for detailed suggestions. We encourage you to consult with your attorney or tax advisor for the various tax benefits and restrictions that may apply to your specific situation and to make certain thar your gift fits well into your overall circumstances and planning. We are available to work with your attorney or advisor to answer questions or help arrange a planned gift to the NLWC.
If you’d like to discuss any of these options please contact NLWC Development Director Michelle Whelan at michelle@nantucketlandwater.org.
Nantucket Land & Water Council Legacy Circle
Anonymous
Larry Breakiron†
Jean Haffenreffer†
Adrienne McCalley†
Alan Nathan
H. Brooks and Meredyth Smith
Eva Howe Stevens† Jonathan C. Swain † Deceased
I want to help preserve Nantucket
“Growing up on the Island in the 50’s and 60s, I was—even then—aware of what a special place it was, and what it offers to those who live and visit here. I learned to bike, hike, swim and sail here and so gained an even greater appreciation for the Island’s unique environment. When I discovered that my family was directly descended from one of the first non-native families to settle here, my connection was complete.
The Land and Water Council has long played a significant role in preserving the beauty of the Island, and I have recognized this important role by supporting their efforts for many years. Even in a cold and wintery Chicago, I still feel the tug of the “Far Away Island”!
Although the island has changed since I was a kid, I am proud to include the Council in my Estate Plan and to add my name to the NLWC Legacy Circle. I hope this will help preserve the Island’s open spaces and natural resources for the next generation!
“—Jonathan Swain
The Nantucket Land & Water Council continued to work with landowners across the island in its Conservation Restriction (CR) Program in order to preserve open space. CRs are legal contracts that serve to protect individual parcels of land in perpetuity according to each landowner’s unique vision for the future of the space. By collaborating with the NLWC in these CR agreements, landowners assume the role of invaluable stewards, actively shaping Nantucket’s future.
The NLWC is in the process of finalizing the donation of a new Conservation Restriction in Miacomet. The permanent protection of this property represents years of collaboration between the NLWC staff and the developers of this area. By engaging with this project the NLWC has helped to ensure the protection of groundwater, scenic views and the incredible biodiversity of Nantucket. It has also worked to secure the removal and management of invasive species in the area. If you’re interested in protecting your land from overdevelopment and permanently preserving its conservation values, contact the NLWC today!
The NLWC now holds a total of 93 Conservation Restrictions with over 1500 acres on Nantucket, Tuckernuck and Muskeget islands.
The NLWC remains in partnership with other conservation organizations across the island. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Tuckernuck Land Trust, The Sconset Trust, The Nantucket Islands Land Bank, and the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, the NLWC has continued to work to protect and conserve the open space on island.
From 1986 through 2023, the following generous individuals protected their lands for public benefit by granting Conservation Restrictions to the Nantucket Land & Water Council:
Edith Andrews
Ginger Andrews
Clifford and Dorothy Barbour
Bartlett Family Trust, Henry Bartlett, Trustee
Diana Bartlett Sclafani
Nathaniel Bartlett W.
Scott Bartlett, Jr.
W. Scott Bartlett III
Philip D. Bartlett, as Trustee
Walter and Susan Birge
Karen and Carl Borchert
Borchert Nominee Trust
Natalie Brewer
Diana Brown
Miles G. Carlisle
Christopher Clark
A. Byron Coffin, Jr.
Edward and Sarah Crane
J. Tristram Coffin
Dammin
Donald Denninger
Michael Egan, Trustee
Catherine Felleman
Finback Homeowners Association Trust
Eleanor Fisher Thompson
Anne Fisher Falby
Thomas Fisher, Jr.
Thomas Fisher III
M. Pat Gardner
William P. Graves II and Lydia B. Graves II (Reed Pond Nominee Trust)
Marie Francis Guildehaus and Brad Henke
Great Point
Nominee Trust
Erwin Greenberg
Priscilla Grace
Mary Hardy
Priscilla Harper
Edward and Jacqueline Harris
Jane Fay Harter
John Taylor Hopkins
Edgar B. Howard III
William T. Howard
Hummock Pond of Nantucket Homeowners Association
Laura Hussey
Karen Jackman
Richard Jackman
Robert and Cynthia Jay
Alexander D. Jay
Alida Jay Boye
Anne O. Jay
Daniel G. Jay
David A. Jay
Paul M. Jay
Stephen W. Jay Joanne Ledbetter
Christopher and Virginia Lewis
Linda Loring The Linda Loring Nature Foundation, Inc.
Frank and Clara Low
Gary and Susan McCarthy
Margaret McElderry
Eileen McGrath
Debora and James McIntosh
Leon and Betty Miller
Mira Mar Nominee Trust
MSPCA
Edward A. Murphy
Nanahumacke Preserve Homeowners Association
Nantucket Conservation Foundation
Nantucket Islands
Land Bank
The Nature Conservancy
Offshore Animal Hospital
Irene Parent
Morris Phinney Jr.
Joan Pratel
Robert and Nancy Puff
Sachem’s Path, Greg Segall
William Seidman
Nancy J. Sevrens
Sheep Common
Realty Trust
Catherine Snow Crocker Snow
Deborah and Peter Solbert
Ruth Phinney Stevens
Susan Coffin Dammin Stone
John M. Taylor, Jr.
Estate of Susan Timken
David C. Todd
Town of Nantucket Tuckernuck Land Trust, Inc.
Elizabeth Van Duyne
Via Vai LLC
Diana Walker
John D. Walker, Jr.
Joseph Walker
Washing Pond Trust
Christine, Breckenridge, Blair and Christopher Wilcox
John Wittman
Wright’s Landing LLC
Nominee Trust
Wynndhill, LLC
Donor Support Donor Support
ADVOCATE—$100-$499 cont.
Philip and Margaret Condon
Robert and Posie Constable
Elizabeth Coolidge
Tim Cooney
Frederick and Christina Cowles
Kristin Davis
Bradley and Margaret Day
Isabella Day
Tricia and Mark Deck
Samantha Denette
Bradford and Kimberly Dimeo
Larry and Nancy D’Oench
Cushing Donelan
Zachary and Keltie Donelan McDonald
William and Sheila Donovan
Dennis and Amy-Ann Doran
Daniel and Judith Drake
Charles and Rita Dunleavy
E. Murdoch Family Foundation
Maria Ellington
Chris and Cheryl Emery
Lisa Emirzian
Arthur Ensroth
Matt and Sheila Fee
David Feinsod
Jeffrey Feinsod
Peter Fenn
Edward J. Ference-Gray
Eric and Jascin Leonardo Finger
William Fordyce
Emory and Ellen Freeman
Betsy Gallagher
Peni Garber
Carl and Nancy Gewirz
Simon Jones and Richard Gioiosa
Jesse Girard
Tobias Glidden
Dr. Elliot and Jeri Goldberg
Spencer Goldsmith
Virna Gonzalez
Richard Gray and Joanne Lawrence
Great Harbor Yacht Club
Lindsay Green
Toby Greenberg
Simon Mikhailovich and Wendy Greenberg
Tom and Kim Griswold
Joe and Linda Hale
Robert and Dr. Valerie Hall
Jack and Karleen Halliwell
Amanda Hanlan
Christine Harding
Brett Harsch
Sharon Hartley
Cary Hazlegrove
Mary-Caitlin Hentz
Michael and Penny Herlihy
Oliver Kathanwala and Allison Herr
Daniel Hill
Peter Holmes
William and Evelyn Howard
Richard and Virginia Irwin
James and Anne Jennings
Ann Scott Johnson
Edith Johnson
John Johnson
Margaret Jones
John and Dorine Karnash
Frances Karttunen
Sanford Kendall
Pam Killen
Chad Kilvert
Margaret Kilvert
Marshall Kilvert
Toby Kumin Lamon Family
Carol Langer
Lexi LaShelle
Matthew Lau-Hansen
Susan Lenane
Jill Lentowski
Susan Levy
Julia Linder
Louisa Lindgren
I am proud to be involved in this important work.
“Nantucket Land & Water Council’s efforts in identifying environmental issues, educating the public, and promoting smart policy solutions contribute invaluably to Nantucket’s well-being.
I am proud to be involved with this important work and participate in outreach within our community. The NLWC’s advocacy is pivotal to securing the viability and health of our island’s natural resources for future generations.”
—William Johnson, NLWC Associate
Joseph and Victoria LiPuma
Pamela Lohmann
William and Deborah Lothian
Glen and Kate Lubin
Robert and Katherine Maguire
Ms. Kate L. Mailloux
Bruce Mandel
Vincent and Elizabeth Mann
Ana Martinez
Charles and Phyllis Mayhew
Frederick McClure
Eugene and Pamela McGuire
Mary Lou McGuire
Sarah P. McIntosh
Bill and Betsy McKiernan
Christian Miles
Herbert and Miriam Mittenthal
Mike and Cathy Molnar
Thomas and Margot Montgomery
Marla Mullen
Catherine Nickerson
Douglas Nigen
G.P. Nowak
Katherine O’Brien
Stephen and Susan Obrien
Andrew Okun
Kate O’Reilly
Nannette Orr
Justine Paradis
Stanley and Mary Alyce Pardo
Peter and Kim Parent
Trish Pastuszak
Neil Paterson
Elliot and Deborah Perlman
Daniel Peterson
Nathaniel and Melissa Philbrick
John and Anne Plukas
Kathryn Pochman
Jon and Ilona Pokoik
Davin Polk
Wendy Powell
Sarah Powers
David Pumphrey
Carver Queally
Callie Randall
Philip and Margaret Read
Henry Reeder
Jeanne Riggs
Susan Robinson
Dana and Alison Rodin
Doug and Lisa Rose
Gregory A. and Carol Ross
Milton and Roberta Rowland
Jesse Royster
Marsha Ryan
Lee and Priscilla Saperstein
Richard Schafer
Robert J. and Susan R. Schiff
Alan Smith
Penny Snow
John and Melissa Soderberg
Andre Spears and Anne Rosen
William Spring
Joly Stewart
Catherine LaFarge Summers
Jonathan Swain
Charles Tennant
The Old Spouter Gallery
George and Ann Thom
Courtney Thorne
Tim and Beth Toolen
Anne Troutman
Ross and MaryLou Unruh
Carlo and Nancy B. Vittorini
Clark and Andrea Wagner
Ethan and Maryellen Walker-Jack
John Warner
Ian Golding and Laura Wasserman
Anita Weeks
Mr. Jack Weinhold
Joel and Judith Weinstein
John and Nancy Whelan
Michelle Whelan
Crosby and Augusta Willet
Denele Willett
David S. and Enid M. Wise
Jocelyn Wong
Margot Wynkoop
Harvey Young
Ronald Zibelli
SUPPORTER—Up to $99
Ted and Gretchen Anderson
Amazon Smile Donations
Anonymous
Eleanor Antonietti
Curtis Barnes
Michael Bearse
Peter Boyce
James H. and Alice G. Breed
Ms. Gerilyn Brewer
Kristin Bullett
Martha Butler
Ms. Madeline Callahan
Ms. Lea Casement
Pamela Clark
Anna Day
Ms. Susan Dazzo
Ernst Land Design, Inc.
William and Elizabeth Folberth
Hugh and Jean B. Halsell
Nancy Hammond
Charlie and Kyra Haydock
Jane Hobson-Dupont
Mark and Jinx Horan
Ms. Suzanne Kennedy
Majal, Inc.
Ms. Stacey McLaughlin
Ms. Barbara O’Reilly
Max and Elizabeth Polster
Jean Rioux
Christian Roach
Randal and Katherine Robinson
Michael and Jane Roche
Erin Ruiz
Toby Sackton
Margaret Saglimbene
Grant Sanders
Lars and Jane Soderberg
Charles and Barbara Stott
Brent Tartamella
Susan Tate
Deborah Taylor
Charles Walters
Daniel Weber
Gary and Vivian Weisner
† Deceased
Donor Support
In-Kind Donations
Anderson’s Stillwater Moorings
Bill Hoenk Photography
Andrea Katz
Donelan Wines
In 2023 nearly 300,000 eelgrass seeds were harvested and planted at the Bass Point restoration site. We conducted a deep dive into Capaum pond, where we partnered with outside experts to determine the source of nutrients driving its continued harmful algal blooms. We also continued to monitor and collect data at Washing and Gibbs ponds, which both face significant eutrophication and future management questions. The data we collected in 2023 will be vital to answering these questions. We began our Private Well PFAS Screening program—a pilot program to validate an innovative and affordable new way to screen for chemicals in tap water.
THANKS to YOU
Lastly, we hosted the Waterkeeper regional conference, where over a dozen other Waterkeeper organizations from the Northeast region visited Cape Cod and Nantucket for a multiday, highly informative series of talks and presentations on the Nantucket Land & Water Council efforts to preserve Nantucket’s water resources.
I greatly appreciate what the NLWC does
As an oyster farmer, my main concern is the environment I grow my oysters in. Unlike a land-based farm I have no control at all over any aspect of the quality of this. Nantucket harbor has been facing water quality deterioration for decades. There are many factors involved in this and the solutions are complicated. Over the last 10 years, I have played a small part in helping the NLWC in educating the public on the causal factors for poor water quality of the harbor. I am 100 % certain that without the NLWC’s work on public education and advocacy for water quality the state of Nantucket harbor would be in a far poorer condition than it is today. I greatly appreciate what the NLWC does as my livelihood is at the mercy of the health of the harbor.
— Simon Edwardes Nantucket Oyster Farmer
NLC Waterkeeper, RJ Turcotte
2023 Water Fund Challenge Grant
Through our donor-restricted Water Fund, the Nantucket Land & Water Council supports marine and freshwater projects on Nantucket and devotes substantial resources to water quality monitoring, research, advocacy and education. The NLWC is the Nantucket Waterkeeper and an active member of the Waterkeeper Alliance— a global network of community organizations advocating for healthy water systems worldwide.
In order to encourage contributions to our Water Fund in 2023, members of the NLWC Board of Directors got together and created a generous “Water Fund Challenge Grant”, matching gifts to the NLWC’s Water Fund up to $75,000. We are deeply grateful to our 2023 Challengers:
Susan and Michael Baer • Mary-Randolph Ballinger • The Cox Family Foundation • Lucy Dillon • Robert and Barbara Friedman •
Peter and Bonnie McCausland • Alan and Virginia Nathan •
Lars and Jane Soderberg
Donor Support
Thanks to the generosity of the following donors, our 2023 Water Fund Challenge Grant was a success!
Susanne Albright
Anonymous
Ted Anderson
Nedret Andre
Tommy Arena
Susan and Michael Baer
Anne Bailliere
Mary-Randolph Ballinger
Charles Bartlett
Rebecca Becker
Peter Boyce
Kenneth Brasfield
George and Kathleen Butterworth
George and Susan Carneal
Deborah Carter
Philip and Margaret Condon
Cox Family Foundation
Prudence S. Crozier
Joseph and Christine Donelan
Cushing Donelan
Dennis and Amy-Ann Doran
Jeffrey Feinsod
Peni Garber
Lindsay Green
Michael Maynard Greenberg
Tom and Kim Griswold
Robert and Dr. Valerie Hall
Herbert D. Condie, Jr.,
Family Foundation
Richard and Virginia Irwin
Virginia and Richard Irwin Charles and Ann Johnson
John Johnson
Frances Karttunen
Pam Killen
Jacqueline Kilvert Knox Foundation
Toby Kumin
Matthew and Nina Liddle
Joseph and Victoria LiPuma
Jonathan Nyland and Katherine Logue
Bob Maguire and Katherine Bucknell
Bruce Mandel
Peter and Bonnie McCausland
The McCausland Foundation
Zachary and Keltie McDonald
Alan and Barbara Medaugh
Richard and Ronay Menschel
Peter Morrison and Mary Wawro
Nantucket Landscapes, Inc.
Alan and Virginia Nathan
Nannette Orr
Trish Pastuszak
Margaret Jones
Philip and Margaret Read
Jean Rioux
Amy and Gregory Rowland
Charles and Merle Shoneman
Carl Sjolund and Julie Fitzgerald
Brooks and Meredyth Smith
Penny Snow
Lars O. and Jane Soderberg
Jonathan Swain
Merrielou Symes
The Old Spouter Gallery
George and Ann Thom
James Toole
James and Elinor Vaughter
Mr. Jack Weinhold
William Willet
David and Enid Wise
Margot Wynkoop
Program Grants
Cox Family Foundation
Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Visco Pumping
White Elephant Resorts
Merrick Andlinger
Rick Andlinger
Burton Balkind
Eva Blake
Rowan Blake
Katie Briody
Peter Burke
Meridith Carley
John Carter
Beatty Cathey
Maggie Davis
Sam Dean
Vanessa Diserio
Gigi Diserio
Anne Dougherty
Chris Emery
Kelly Emery
Chris Emery
Cheryl Emery
Seth Engelbourg
Brady Frantz
Eve Fraser-Corp
Eli Fuller
Tobias Glidden
Jeneille Gooding
Charles Graeber
Ryan Hachey
Valerie Hall
Rain Harbison
Jill Hausman
Leslie Herold
Tsveta Hristova
Abe Jacoby
Zoe Klausner
Kaley Kokomoor
Sammy Laliberte
Pam Leinbach
Allison Levy
John Lochner
Roxanne Martin
Grace Matthews
Sarah McCabe
Volunteers
In 2023 we had the dedicated support of nearly 50 volunteers, across our range of projects and initiatives—without them, our eelgrass seeding would never have been possible, the oyster upweller at Petrel Landing could not have been maintained, our PFAS Screening Pilot would never have kept up pace with testing 300-private wells, and our Trashion Show costume would not have been completed! Thanks to everyone who chipped in in 2023!
Jim Meehan
Emma Megan
James Melrod
Nick Melrod
Susan Meyers
CC Millard
Tom Montgomery
Maya Newman
Aaron Norton
Elias Norton
Camden Palm
Caleb Patterson
Blair Perkins
Callie Platt
Ethan Pond
Carla Ray
Ellen Ray
Kelly Repaci
Jean Rioux
Stephen Rogers
Stephanie Ryder
Toby Sackton
Remembering Bill Crozier
In February, 2023, the NLWC lost a dear friend and longtime supporter. Bill Crozier joined the Nantucket Land & Water Council Board back in 2001 and remained an active member through 2015 when he transitioned to become an Honorary Director. He continued to remain involved, attending events and regularly staying in touch with staff. Bill was an instrumental member of the Finance and Investment Committees. He believed in the NLWC’s mission and was always available to provide feedback or advice. Bill will be dearly missed by all.
Gifts in Memoriam
In Memory of
Jean Haffenreffer
Milton and Roberta Rowland
Ann Holmes
Peter Holmes
Linda Zarella
Henri and Lily Zarrella Rainaud
Gifts in Honor
In Honor of
Bob and Barbara Friedman
Charles and Merle Shoneman
Maureen Phillips Horst
Eric Phillippi
Emily Molden
Kristin Davis
Charlie Kilvert, Nantucket Insurance
Margaret Jones, PURE Insurance
Thank You to All the individuals, families, businesses and foundations who supported the work of the Nantucket Land & Water Council during our 2023 Fiscal year. Together, we are making a difference!
OFFICERS
Lucy S. Dillon
President
Matt Liddle
Vice President
William Willet
Vice President
Laurel Ried Langworthy
Treasurer
Susan E. Robinson
Clerk
DIRECTORS
Matt Anderson
Susan Baer
Mary-Randolph Ballinger
William S. Brenizer
Thomas V. Farrell
Robert Friedman
Nancy Gillespie
Nathanael Greene
Matt Haffenreffer
Charles A. Kilvert III
Lucy Leske
Bob Lyons
Peter McCausland
Keltie Donelan McDonald
Alan Nathan
Charles Platt
Amy Rowland
Carl H. Sjolund
Brooks Smith
Lars Soderberg
David Troast
Helen Weeks
HONORARY DIRECTOR
Paul A. Bennett
SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR
James W. Sutherland Ph.D.
ASSOCIATES
Helen Weeks, Chair
Jen Garren
William Johnson
Chad Kilvert
Leah Mojer
Margaret Troast
STAFF
Emily L. Molden
Executive Director
RJ Turcotte Nantucket Waterkeeper
Michelle Whelan
Development Director
Anna Day
Communications Manager
LEGAL COUNSEL
Dennis Murphy General Counsel
ACCOUNTANT
Bollus Lynch LLP Certified Public Accountants and Consultants , Worcester, MA
6 Ash Lane
P.O. Box 502
Nantucket, MA 02554
In 2023
THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, throughout the year, the Nantucket Land & Water Council continued to: Pay Attention—attending all Nantucket regulatory meetings and voicing concerns regarding projects that could negatively impact our environment; Raise Awareness encouraging our community through online and print campaigns, educational activities and awards to shift perceptions and alter practices that are detrimental to our environment and Take Action advocating for by-law and policy changes to proactively protect our natural resources. We also opposed regulatory decisions that could negatively impact our environment through litigation and created and administered programs to increase the health of our fresh and saltwater resources. Read about our 2023 initiatives, outreach and programs designed to further our mission and protect Nantucket’s precious land and water resources.
