2015
ANNUAL REPORT
PLANNING • PROTECTING • PRESERVING
Our Mission The Nantucket Land Council is dedicated to protecting Nantucket’s natural world and rural character by holding and enforcing conservation restrictions, commissioning scientific research, monitoring development proposals, engaging in legal proceedings to protect natural resources, and educating the public on environmental issues.
Table of Contents Board of Directors and Staff.............................................2 President’s Report...............................................................5 Executive Director’s Report.............................................6 Treasurer’s Report..........................................................................9 Conservation Restriction Report........................................... 10 Conservation Restriction Grantors................................... 12 Research.............................................................................. 13 Education............................................................................ 15 Advocacy & Legal Action............................................... 19 Events................................................................................... 25 Bequests.............................................................................. 26 Acknowledgements........................................................ 28
NANTUCKET LAND COUNCIL, INC. P.O. Box 502 , 6 Ash Lane Nantucket, MA 02554 508-228-2818 nlc@nantucketlandcouncil.org www.nantucketlandcouncil.org
Cover: Bill Hoenk for Dutra Designs, Harbor View At Left: Emily Molden, Tuckernuck
Board of Directors & Staff OFFICERS Lucy S. Dillon President Paul A. Bennett Vice President William Willet Vice President Howard N. Blitman Treasurer Susan E. Robinson Clerk & Assistant Treasurer
DIRECTORS Karen K. Borchert Larry Breakiron William S. Brenizer Karen K. Clark Sara P. Congdon William M. Crozier, Jr. Philip B. Day Christine Donelan Robert Friedman Nancy Gillespie Wade Greene Mary Heller Charles A. Kilvert, III Laurel Ried Langworthy Matthew B. Liddle Peter McCausland Eileen P. McGrath Paul P. Moran Carl H. Sjolund H. Brooks Smith James W. Sutherland, Ph.D. Peter Watrous Jon Wisentaner
STAFF Cormac Collier Executive Director Emily L. Molden Resource Ecologist Linda Spery Development Director Ema Johnson Development Associate BOOKKEEPING Shari Rose Santos LEGAL COUNSEL Peter R. Fenn, Esquire Fenn and Associates Newton, MA ACCOUNTANT Bollus Lynch LLP Certified Public Accountants and Consultants Worcester, MA
HONORARY DIRECTOR Jean Haffenreffer Suzanne Mueller
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Photo by Bill Hoenk, Hydrangea
President’s Report
DEAR FRIENDS AND MEMBERS, With the surge in Nantucket’s year-round population, conversations on Main Street, in the grocery store aisles and public meetings seem to inevitably turn to the demand for more affordable housing. It seems we all have friends, colleagues and relatives who want to live here but who struggle to find a suitable place to call home without shuffling from place to place. Some strong voices advocate for an immediate increase in housing density without the benefit of thoughtful planning and anticipation of the associated demands on the island’s infrastructure. Many of these same voices favor a move away from open space land conservation. They seem to have adopted an “either-or” stance. Nantucket is clearly at a point in time where we face tough decisions about the future of our natural resources, our labor force and our quality of life. We can’t hide from the issues at hand. So where does the Land Council stand in this ongoing conversation? We want you as members and supporters of our organization to know that the Land Council is firmly committed to a leadership position in the important discussions that are currently taking place as we deal with these pressing issues. We believe in a balanced approach, weighing the pros and cons and looking at the bigger picture that focuses on the well-being of the island as a whole. We do not feel that “either-or” is the right direction for our Town staff and elected officials to take. We feel that there is a role for land conservation now and in the future. Perhaps the scope and description of the work being done in this arena will vary from the past. But we firmly believe the legacy of those who have chosen or who may opt to choose to preserve Nantucket’s natural beauty through conservation of open space must be respected. Our board and our staff stand together in our commitment to you as not only a land conservation organization but more than ever as an environmental watchdog, protecting all of our natural resources—from the forests and farmlands to the beaches and harbors. Our newsletters, website, social media and other forms of communications will continue to provide you with timely, vital information throughout the year. And our office doors are open year-round. As always, thank you for your support as we join together in protecting our environment here on this beautiful island of Nantucket. Sincerely,
Lucy Dillon President Top Photo by Linda Spery, L to R: Cormac Collier, Peter Fenn, John Roe and Linda Holland. Bottom Photo by Emily Molden, Quahog Seed.
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Executive Director’s Report
DEAR NLC SUPPORTERS, Don’t wait until it’s too late. These words can’t be found anywhere verbatim in our Land Council mission statement or strategic plan but they certainly ring true in everything our organization has pursued since its founding in 1974. This past year has been exceptionally busy for Land Council staff and board members as we faced challenges on numerous fronts, from our continued legal battle to save Camp Richard and our advocacy of proper fertilizer use to our opposition to rampant development proposed by the Town of Nantucket Planning Board at Annual Town Meeting. There have been many bright spots along the way as Matt Liddle, long-time island science teacher and collaborator within the Land Council education program, joined us as a new board member at our 40th annual meeting in August. We also were happy to welcome a new staff member, Ema Hudson, to our team in October as Development Associate. This has been another year in which the Land Council has experienced generosity from year-round islanders and seasonal residents from many corners of the country. We continue to benefit from the special gift granted to us by Bonnie and Peter McCausland and the McCausland Foundation. And thanks to Chris, Joe and Cushing Donelan, we were the recipient of a percentage of the sales of Donelan Family Wines during the spring Nantucket Wine Festival. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your ongoing support for all of our work. And, looking forward, I’d like to ask you for your cooperation in helping us with a cause that demands all our immediate attention. The continuing misuse of fertilizer on Nantucket is resulting in unprecedented degradation of our waters. We have reached the “tipping point” and need to take drastic action before it is too late. For almost three years the Nantucket Land Council has assisted the Town of Nantucket with educating the public about the fertilizer regulations. We assisted with the creation of an industry guide, Best Management Practices for Fertilizer Use. We have co-sponsored workshops, distributed educational materials and have spoken with numerous
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individual landowners and neighborhood associations. However, due to a lack of enforcement on the Town’s behalf, our educational efforts are rendered useless. Only a handful of landscaping companies are faithfully adhering to the regulations while others openly scoff at the program, applying fertilizers recklessly throughout our island. I was shocked this summer to see fertilizer in a sand dune directly abutting the harbor, allowing for direct release of contaminents into our water. The Board of Selectmen must adequately fund the enforcement program immediately and employ an individual to actively speak with and monitor the entire landscaping industry. The Town’s Natural Resources Department, has some good ideas for moving forward but they all cost money and require staff time. Most of us would be horrified to find that we had unknowingly contributed to declining water quality and eelgrass in Nantucket. Homeowners can help by making sure their gardens are taken care of responsibly. Ask your landscaper for records of their fertilizer use including what product was used, how it was applied and at what intervals. After a few simple questions it is fairly easy to identify which people are compliant and which people are not. The Land Council is more than happy to speak with your landscaper directly. Take an active role in your land care and pride in your island by controlling fertilizer use. We want Nantucket to remain pristine for generations to come. Sincerely,
Cormac Collier Executive Director
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FInancial Overview
It’s my pleasure as the Land Council treasurer to share with you our report for Fiscal Year 2015. As you can see, we continue to operate in an effective and efficient manner based on a solid financial foundation. Thanks to your generous support and the hard work of our staff and board, we were able to make numerous accomplishments toward our environmental mission while still minding best financial management practices. Below you will find a graph providing a visual overview of our income and expenses for FY 2015. For a more detailed report, please see the opposite page. Our FY 2015 audit report prepared by Bollus Lynch LLP Certified Public Accountants and Consultants is available for review at the Land Council office located at 6 Ash Lane on Nantucket. Respectfully submitted,
Howard N. Blitman Treasurer Support Services 21% Fundraising 7%
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Programs & Projects 72%
Treasurer’s Report
Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2014 OPERATING ACTIVITIES FY 2015 FY 2014 INCOME Restricted contributions Unrestricted contributions Endowment support appropriated for operations Fundraising net revenues and contributions Rental income Other income Total support and revenue EXPENSES Programs and projects Supporting services Fundraising Total expenses NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT) FROM OPERATIONS ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Unconditional promises to give Prepaid expenses Note receivable including accrued interest Marketable securities Fixed assets Land and conservation restrictions TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued expenses TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS Unrestricted Temporarily restricted TOTAL NET ASSETS TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$183,225 431,857 269,000 77,947 22,800 12,032 $996,861
587,000 171,039 61,642 819,681 $117,180 424,028 518,479 9,631 526,742 10, 170,621 737,756 21,506,821 $33,894,078
$107,099 1,188,800 276,000 76,966 20,300 14, 698 $1, 683,863
$578,863 132,411 63,128 $774,402 $909,461 $321,244 737,964 4,914 549,299 9,743,433 740,868 21,506,821 $33,604,643
$57,738 $21,230 $57,738 $21,230 $33,764,497 71,843
$33,565,849 17,564
$33,836,340
$33,583,413
$33,894,078
$33,604,643
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Conservation Restriction Report The Land Council recorded one conservation restriction with the Nantucket Registry of Deeds during the past Fiscal Year, bringing the total number of conservation restrictions held and enforced by the Land Council to 89, encompassing over 1475 acres. In December 2014, Laura Hussey was granted a conservation restriction on a nine acre site on the north shore of Tuckernuck. The entire conserved site is within an area designated as “Priority Habitat for State-Protected Rare Species� by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Program. The land is comprised of a globally rare sandplains grassland, coastal shrub understory consisting of huckleberry, viburnum, black cherry, low bush blueberry and a mature oak overstory which provides unique foraging and nesting habitat to bird, mammal and insect species.
Photo by Emily Molden, Tuckernuck
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Conservation Restriction Grantors From 1986 until 2015, the following generous individuals protected their lands for public benefit by granting conservation restrictions to the Nantucket Land 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 Douglas 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 12
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 Quentin C. 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 Deborah and James McIntosh Leon and Betty Miller Mira Mar Nominee Trust
MSPCA Edward A. Murphy Nanahumacke Preserve Homeowners Association Offshore Animal Hospital Irene Parent Morris Phinney, Jr. Joan Pratel William Seidman Nancy 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 and The Nature Conservancy 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 Willcox John Wittman Wright’s Landing Nominee Trust
Research The Land Council research team, headed by Resource Ecologist Emily Molden, continued its field work in FY 2015 focusing upon the health of the island’s harbors and ponds. Joined by assistant Shea Fee in the field and by Dr. Jim Sutherland in data analysis, Ms. Molden performed water sampling throughout the year at the Head of Hummock Pond, a kettle pond on the north end of Hummock. The focus was primarily upon the presence of Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), which tends to bloom in times of lower wind and increased heat in the summer months. Baseline water quality data was also collected on smaller ponds including Washing, Maxey and Tom Nevers. Dr. Sutherland’s report on the Head of Hummock Phytoplankton analysis was completed this year, based on six years of data and was made available on the Land Council website www.nantucketlandcouncil.org. With guidance from the Land Council, the Town and the Land Bank, a new nonprofit Nantucket Pond Coalition was formed this past year comprised of residents interested in water quality improvement in the island’s various ponds. The organization is dedicated to restoring and protecting the island’s ponds and to funding of scientific solutions to mitigate the accelerated eutrofication of the ponds due to excess nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer, septic systems and other human activities. In an advisory role, the Land Council is working with the Coalition on use of a harvester to harvest aquatic vegetation growth to reduce the nutrient load and enhance aesthetics and recreational use of Hummock Pond. A proposal was also brought forth for a pilot program to eradicate invasive Phragmites australis from Long Pond. Exploration has commenced to determine the feasibility of engineering and constructing of a structure to isolate Head of Hummock Pond from Hummock Pond in order to improve the quality of both bodies of water. The project would require multiple state and local permits for plans to become reality. The project is among the recommendations made in the Hummock Pond Estuaries Report by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST). The study was funded by the Land Council and Cisco area property owners. The research team of Ms. Molden and Ms. Fee also continued to serve as groundwater level monitors for the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This year marked the 31st year that the Land Council has measured the ten Nantucket USGS wells monthly in all kinds of weather to assist in the understanding and protection of the unique groundwater aquifer system on the island. Another national research project involving the Land Council research team is the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP). The NADP station on Nature Conservancy land surrounded by the Linda Loring Foundation property, is the most eastward located testing device in the nationwide network of over 250 stations to measure atmospheric deposition of chemicals and nutrients in our precipitation. 13
Research As part of a legal agreement executed with the Land Council, the Great Harbor Yacht Club is responsible for funding $350,000 over a ten year span for projects that benefit the Nantucket marine environment. Community leaders assisted the Land Council and Great Harbor Yacht Club in reviewing this past year’s grant applications, including representatives from the Shellfish and Harbor Advisory Board and the Nantucket Shellfish Association. Awards were presented to Andrew McCandless for a study on mooring scours, to the Town of Nantucket for an eelgrass mapping project, to Val Hall for nub scallop research, to Northeastern University for work in eelgrass diversity and to Carl Sjolund for work on clam spat and propagation.
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Education The goal of the Land Council’s education programs at all levels is to help participants develop the necessary skills and expertise to address environmental challenges and to foster attitudes, motivations and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action. Education programs are directed by Resource Ecologist Emily Molden in collaboration with educators from the island’s public and private schools and science professionals from island environmental nonprofit organizations. FERTILIZER BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES EDUCATION Educational outreach continued throughout the year to build awareness of and compliance with fertilizer regulations and Best Management Practices (BMP) for fertilizer application. A short film was written and produced by Development Director Linda Spery and intern Andy Lachler during the summer and was available on www.nantucketlandcouncil.org and on Nantucket Community TV throughout the year. Also during the summer, Best Management Practices brochures and manuals were provided to the Nantucket Lighthouse School for distribution at the school’s annual Garden Festival. During the early spring 240 landscape professionals and community members attended the 2015 Commercial Fertilizing Applicator Licensing Class, offered by the Town of Nantucket’s Natural Resource Department with support from the Land Council. The all-day event was held at the Dreamland in the main theatre. Dr. Tom Morris and Dr. Karl Guillard, professors at University of Connecticut, shared valuable information on Best Management Practices. This was the first of a series of professional development opportunities being offered to ensure that landscapers and homeowners are utilizing best practices to protect the Nantucket environment. The Land Council has been at the forefront of the education process and will continue to be committed to this important initiative. COLLABORATIONS WITH NANTUCKET SCHOOLS During the FY 2015, the NLC distributed over $7,500 to local schools in the grant program for project-based environmental science work. This year’s recipients were Joni Amaral of the Nantucket New School’s 3rd grade class for science curriculum materials to study plant life cycle and phases of the moon; Lisa Solomon and Laura Moore of the Nantucket New School’s 2nd and 4th grade classes for science curriculum materials to support an ongoing precipitation monitoring project; Alicia Keller of the Nantucket Lighthouse School’s Small School for materials to supplement their birding studies program; Logan Gomes of the Nantucket Lighthouse School for redevelopment of their educational garden; Jackie McGrady of Small Friends Nantucket’s Pre-K class for materials to support a study of decomposers; and Janet Brannigan of the Nantucket Elementary School for support of the 5th grade’s field trip to Nature’s Classroom. Photo by Emily Molden, NLC Board Member Carl Sjolund prepares to spread quahog seed.
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Education Continued Education initiatives pursued by Ms. Molden included an enrichment cluster with Nantucket Elementary 3rd grade classes and mentoring a final science project with the Nantucket New School’s 8th grade class in collaboration with Mass Audubon and Nantucket New School science teacher Matt Liddle, a Land Council board member. She also worked with staff at the Maria Mitchell Association to support high school science fair projects as a part of the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative. PRESENTATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT During the spring, Ms. Molden attended the New England Aquatic Plant Management Conference with Land Council board member Dr. Jim Sutherland. She also presented at the New England Coastal Issues Conference in September, focusing upon erosion control installations around the island. Ms. Molden and Executive Director Cormac Collier attended the annual Land Trust Alliance rally in Providence in the fall and participated in sessions on new developments with conservation restrictions, tax compliance and amendment policies. They also participated at the SHIFT conference and accepted an award on behalf of the Land Council recognizing the organization as one of 50 U.S. nonprofits using unique strategies to deal with environmental issues in resort communities. Development Associate Ema Hudson joined Ms. Molden in attending the Massachusetts Land Trust Conference in Worcester. The second annual Nantucket Beach Erosion Forum in May was supported by the NLC and hosted by the Nantucket Coastal Conservancy. Ms. Molden moderated the panel of experts and scholars on “State Leadership and Local Adaptation Options.” The weekend conference provided an opportunity for productive dialogue regarding the impact of erosion and sea level rise on Nantucket as seen from an outside perspective as well as private property rights vs. community needs. This past year Ms. Molden also served as chair of the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative, which conducted a citizen science program of free events for the public during the summer. Also during the summer, the Land Council sponsored tree walks around the downtown area to provide participants an opportunity to learn tree identification and to appreciate the history of the American elms on the island. In cooperation with Town of Nantucket tree specialist Dale Gary, Ms. Molden and field assistant Shea Fee began work on a new database cataloging the various species of downtown trees.
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Photo by Linda Spery, Lighthouse School Garden funded by NLC.
Advocacy & Legal Action The Land Council’s role as legal defender, advocate and watchdog for the environment were of particular importance during the past year. There were numerous issues that required scientific research consulting and legal representation, along with countless hours spent by the NLC staff in local government hearings and meetings. CAMP RICHARD LEGAL DEFENSE The Land Council’s support against a frivolous land claim by the Cape and Islands Boy Scout Council continued in Barnstable Superior Court throughout the year without resolution. The challenge began the prior year in August 2013 when the Hyannis-based Cape and Island Boy Scouts Council announced their intent to sell off a substantial portion of Camp Richard to Hingham, MA-based Atlantic Development Corporation for a large scale residential development. The off-island Council sued the local Boy Scout leaders and changed the locks on the Camp Richard facilities so that local leaders were no longer able to access the property. Through this legal challenge, the Land Council, Nantucket Civic League and Camp Richard Camping Association are seeking to maintain the status quo that has prevailed for almost 50 years: ownership of the land and operation of the camp by the rightful owners—the local Boys Scouts. Failing that, the hope is to have it transferred back to the Civic League. The ultimate goal is to place a permanent conservation restriction on the property, ensuring that it will continue to be used for its original purpose of serving as a Boy Scout camp, surrounded by open space. NANTUCKET COTTAGE HOSPITAL—WYER’S VALLEY SITE In the summer and fall months leading up to Town Meeting, the Land Council publicly expressed concerns about potential impacts to groundwater posed by Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s plans to build a new facility in Wyer’s Valley. With unanimous support by the Land Council board, Executive Director Cormac Collier spoke up at meetings of the Board of Selectmen, Wannacomet Water and community forums regarding the hospital’s proposal. The Land Council board and staff were pleased that the hospital chose to abandon its plans for Wyer’s Valley prior to Annual Town Meeting. We believe the decision is in the best interest of the entire island, given the fact that viable alternative sites are available and also in light of the increased risk of contamination of the sole source aquifer located below the proposed site.
Photo by Linda Spery. Emily Molden shares the excitement of tagging a monarch butterfly with the Nantucket New School.
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Advocacy & Legal Action Continued WETLAND PROTECTION ISSUES Resolution to the longstanding wetlands problems associated with the Hummock Pond bike path was welcomed by the Land Council as the Town of Nantucket stepped up to restore wetlands harmed during bike path construction. As a result of an enforcement order issued by the Conservation Commission at the urging of the Land Council, a reputable wetlands scientist was hired by the Town and a mitigation plan was developed. Work continued to be monitored by Resource Ecologist Emily Molden and Executive Director Cormac Collier during the year to determine if the project was brought back into compliance with its permits and if the goals were met by the Town for the mitigation project. Wetland protection concerns also continued during the year with the Sconset Beach Preservation Fund (SBPF) geotube project. During the repeated harsh winter storms, the geotubes became exposed, with the structures shifting and slumping. The Land Council, along with other environmental-minded individuals and organizations, continued to express concerns about the narrowing of the beach in front of the geotubes, exposing the tubes to great energy during storms and posing obstacles for beach nourishment required by emergency SBPF’s permit. DECLINE IN EEL GRASS AND NEW EMERGENCY SEWER REGULATIONS Studies released during the year by Dr. Peter Boyce and other researchers revealed a disturbing reduction in eelgrass concentrations in Nantucket Harbor and Hussey Shoal, impacting the scallop population. NLC Board Member and fisherman Carl Sjolund was among the speakers at a Board of Selectmen workshop focusing on this important issue. In addition to the various recommendations that came out of the workshop to reduce boat anchorage and dredging impacts, the Land Council suggested an examination of all septic systems in the harbor watershed areas not on Town sewer, requiring mandatory pump outs and a regulation mandating alternative de-nitrifying systems upon home resale or within 10 years. Subsequent to the workshop, new Board of Health septic regulations were passed requiring an upgrade upon property transfer or failure of a system. The Land Council is pleased with the new regulations and their positive implications for cleaner water in our harbors and ponds. In addition to the step forward in Board of Health regulations, a comprehensive wastewater management plan was completed this past year, updated from 2003, serving as a template for where new sewers will be required. The Land Council will continue to monitor the work of the Sewer Advisory committee in relation to the newly released plan.
Ad designed by Ema Johnson
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Advocacy & Legal Action Continued DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL CONCERNS Leading up to and during Town Meeting in early 2014, the Land Council expressed its extreme concern about proposed zoning changes to allow greater density and additional development. If all of the zoning changes had passed, over 150 new lots would have been created, many within the Miacomet Pond watershed. In its Town Meeting recommendations against the relevant articles, the Land Council cited additional septic systems and impervious surface runoff as well as increased landscaping and fertilizer use to result from the increased density, all further degrading an already polluted Miacomet Pond and other water bodies. Concerns were also expressed by the Land Council about no action being proposed to create permanent affordable housing in any of the Planning Board’s proposed zoning changes as well as the burden the additional development would create on the Town in providing additional vital services. The Land Council was pleased that the zoning articles it opposed were soundly defeated at Town Meeting.
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Top Photo by Emily Molden, L to R: Linda Spery, Cormac Collier and Karen Clark at the 2014 End of Season dinner at Straight Wharf. Bottom Photo by Craig Spery, L to R: Linda Spery, Ema Johnson, Cormac Collier, Emily Molden and Peter Fenn.
Events The Land Council’s 40th Annual Meeting was held on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 in the Harbor Room at the Dreamland. Over 85 members and friends were present to hear Dr. Brian Howes of the School of Marine Science and Technology at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, address the topic “Present Health of Hummock Pond and Potential for Restoration.” A reception on the deck of the Dreamland followed a brief business meeting and Dr. Howe’s presentation. Capping off a busy summer, the Land Council held its 2014 End of the Season Dinner on Labor Day, September 1st. The successful event was chaired by Land Council board member Karen Clark with an event committee comprised of Mariann H. Appley, Mary-Randolph Ballinger, Maureen and Howard Blitman, Larry Breakiron, Margaret and William Brenizer, Prudence and William Crozier, Lucy S. Dillon, Christine and Joseph Donelan, Barbara and Robert Friedman and Kaaren and Charles Hale. Also serving on the committee were Ann and Charles Johnson, Paul and Jean Moran, Lynn and Nick Nicholas, Nancy and Michael Peacock, Linda R. Taylor and Peter Watrous. During the quieter months of winter and spring, the Land Council hosted two informational gatherings at area businesses for primarily year-round residents. The first, “Fine Wine and Fertilizer” was an after-work presentation at the Haul Over in November focusing on water quality and fertilizer use best practices. Nantucket Vineyard was on hand to introduce its new “Land Council Red” vintage, with a percentage of sales going toward the Land Council’s environmental work. The second community outreach event, “Vernal Pools: Mystery of Spring,” was held in April at the Handlebar Café, providing an orientation to Nantucket’s vernal pool walks held later in April at Squam Swamp. Our thanks to Mike Campbell of the Haul Over, Mike Harter of Nantucket Vineyard and Jason and Courtney Bridges of Handlebar Café for their hospitality and generosity. Board members launched the new Legacy Circle program at an event which took place on June 18th in the home of board member Nancy Gillespie and her husband, Ulrich Lächler, and was moderated by board member Brooks Smith. Other summer events held included a cocktail party at the home of board member Chris Donelan and her husband, Joe, on June 27th to thank major donors and to debut a new video, “Saving Camp Richard” produced by Greg Hinson in cooperation with the local Boy Scouts.
Top Photo—L to R: Tucker Brenizer, Emily Molden and Brooks Smith at the Land Council’s 40th Annual Meeting at the Dreamland. Bottom Photo—L to R: Carol Atkinson, Marvin Davidson and Mary-Randolph Ballinger at the 2014 End of the Season Dinner at Straight Wharf.
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Bequests Over the past 40 years the Land Council has been fortunate to have many loyal financial supporters of our work to plan, protect and preserve Nantucket’s fragile natural resources. The accomplishments in conserving open space, protecting water quality and serving as an environmental watchdog have been possible because generous Nantucketers have been willing to play an important role as benefactors. With this overwhelming encouragement and support, the Land Council will continue to meet Nantucket’s environmental challenges head-on, just as its founders began in the early ‘70s. That’s why the NLC board and staff established a new Legacy Circle program to ensure that these long-time investments in all the important work will continue in future generations. Heading the NLC Legacy Circle is board member Brooks Smith. As a longtime Land Council board member as well as an attorney who assists with estate planning as a major part of his law practice, he fully recognizes the importance and benefits of planned giving to both the nonprofit organization receiving a bequest as well as the individual who is controlling the decision to make a donation. Over the summer season Brooks and other board members continued to introduce Nantucketers to the NLC Legacy Circle, answer questions and welcome loyal supporters as new Legacy Circle members. To find out more about the Legacy Circle, interested persons can contact the NLC at 508-228-2818 or ema@nantucketlandcouncil.org.
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Photo by Emily Molden. Cormac Collier spreading quahog seed.
Acknowledgements We thank the following people, businesses and foundations who donated to the Nantucket Land Council during our 2014 Fiscal Year—July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. CHAMPIONS—$5,000 AND ABOVE
Anonymous Howard and Maureen Blitman James and Carol Bowditch Larry Breakiron Karen K. Clark Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Davidson Lucy S. Dillon James Dinan and Elizabeth R. Miller Andrew and Kathleen Ferreira Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Field Marcia Weber and James Flaws Robert and Barbara Friedman Great Harbor Yacht Club Heinz Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Charles Johnson The McCausland Foundation Paul and Jean Moran Carl and Suzanne Mueller Nantucket Shellfish Association John D. Nichols David and Barbara Roby Meredyth and Brooks Smith The Whitehead Foundation Peter Watrous BENEFACTORS—$1,000-$4,999
Anonymous Mariann Hundahl Appley Archibald Family Foundation Mrs. Roger G. J. Austin Mary-Randolph Ballinger Walter and Susan Birge William and Jacqueline Bishop Robi and Ruth Blumenstein Joan R. Bolling William and Margaret Brenizer Tom and Mimi Brome 28
William C. and Laura T. Buck James and Nancy Buckman Martha A. Carr Charina Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Donald Comstock Cox Foundation Amanda B. Cross William M. and Prudence S. Crozier Mr. and Mrs. Vincent R. D’Agostino Anna-Karin and David Dillard Christine and Joseph P. Donelan, II Catherine S. Felleman Mark and Ellie Gottwald Lauren and Paul Gudonis Mrs. Frederick W. Haffenreffer Charles and Kaaren Hale William and Candy Hamm Lucile Hays John P. and June D. Heffernan Mrs. Mary Heller John and Laura Hussey Joelson Foundation Mr. and Mrs. J. Seward Johnson, Jr. Evan and Cindy Jones Nancy Gillespie and Ulrich Lächler Chuck Lenhart Kenneth and Grace Logan John W. and Jane S. Loose Ian and Carolyn MacKenzie Barbara H. Malcolm Robert and Mary McCannRina and Don McCouch Linda and Ben McGrath James and Deborah McIntosh Ginger and Marlin Miller, Jr. William and Katherine Miller, IV Terrence and Patricia Moran George and Barbara Mrkonic
Acknowledgements Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Newhouse, Jr. Lynn and Nick Nicholas Eleanor O’Neill Maureen Orth Michael and Nancy Peacock Ellen Flamm and Richard Peterson Bill Porter Robert and Nancy Puff A. Francis and Sharon F. Robinson Ellen and Kenneth Roman James and Lenore Schilling Reverend Georgia A. Snell David Swope Merrielou and Ned Symes, III Linda R. Taylor David C. Todd Richard G. and Dorothy H. Verney William and Denise Welsh Robert and Linda Williams PATRONS—$500-$999
Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Armstrong Phil and Dorothy Bartlett Deborah J. Bryan Anne DeLaney and Chip Carver, Jr. Richard R. Congdon William and Sara Congdon Tharon and Lee Dunn Norman and Susan Fidel Robert and Claire Graves Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Greig, III Wendy G.and Benjamin Griswold, IV Kamran and Ellen Hakim Peter and Ann Holmes Lois and John Horgan Michael and Patricia Kepenash Paul and Susan Lancaster Carol Langer Laurel and Ben Langworthy
Margaret and Terry Lenzner Martin and Toni B. McKerrow Abigail Johnson & Christopher McKown Michael Gilson and Joan McPhee Paul B. and Diane M. Newhouse Harvey Pastan Richard and Judith Phelan Harry T. and Susan D. Rein Jay and Gretchen Riley Charles H. Sawyer Mrs. William Sevrens Susan K. Spring Clark Whitcomb STEWARDS—$100-$499
Michael and Marcia Adler Nathan and Mathilde Allen William and Nancy Alwine Thomas J. and Patricia S. Anathan Anonymous John L. G. Archibald Mr. and Mrs. John W. Atherton, Jr. Anthony and Anne Patricia Beale Bill and Kathie Beattie David Poor and Patricia Beilman John and Judy Belash Paul and Georgina Bennett Martha and Ira Berlin Ken and Cindy Blackshaw Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Bober, Jr. Karen K. Borchert Sarah Ann Miller and David Bossi Edith S. Bouriez Edward and Maureen Bousa Marilyn M. and Haworth P. Bromley Barbara Bund Stephen and Karla Butler Robert and Eileen Butler Toby Sackton and Marcia Butman
29
Acknowledgements George and Kathleen Butterworth Simon and Jane Canning Dennice and Raymond Carey Carl and Nancy Gewirz Fund George and Susan Carneal Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Catlin, Jr. Sally and Richard Charpie Joe Chiesa Allen Collins Frederick and Christina Cowles Antoinette Lefebvre and Gregory Cowles Richard L. Cumbie Dave Ryan Landscaping Elizabeth and Wayne Davies Jeanne R. Dickinson Sidney G. Dillon Mr. and Mrs. Charles du Pont Mr. and Mrs. William B. Duane Mr. Matthew Dwyer James Sulzer and Barbara Elder Arthur Ensroth John Falk Matt and Sheila Fee David and Margaret Feindel Messrs. W. B. and George Ferris, III Joseph and Cynthia Freeman Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Freytag Richard Gioiosa Cheryl Goggin Dr. Elliot and Jeri Goldberg J. Spencer Goldsmith Neil and Janet Graner Toby Greenberg Polly Ann Halsted Peter and Karen Hanson Mr. and Mrs. Brett Harsch Andy Bullington and Cary Hazlegrove Jeffrey and Gay Held Herbert D. Condie Family Foundation D. Michael and Penny C. Herlihy 30
Mason C. and Candice M. Heydt Rahul Kadakia and Ashley Hilton Eugene and Janet Hilzenrath Christopher F. and Linda Holland Richard and Barbara Holt Herbert and Shirley Homes Lois and John Horgan William and Evelyn Howard John G. Johnson Simon S. Jones Alfred Crosby and Frances Karttunen Ruud and Jeannette Krom The Lamport Foundation Dr. Jock and Lee Lawrason Mr. and Mrs. Seddon W. Legg, Jr Mr. and Mrs. James Lentowski Susan S. Leonard Matthew and Nina Liddle Dr.and Mrs. Byron Lingeman Victoria Girvan and Joseph LiPuma Sally and Phil Lochner Pamela Lohmann Deborah and William Lothian Jennifer Lowry Mr. and Mrs. Seymour G. Mandell Elizabeth and Vincent Mann John Marcklinger Clark Sisk and Sharon Marshall Nancy Martin Eileen P. McGrath Eugene and Pamela McGuire Mary Lou McGuire James R. and Sarah P. McIntosh F. William and Katherine H. McNabb Jane and Rory McNeil Colonel Glenn S. Meader, Jr. Brook P. Meerbergen Betty Miller Michael and Julia Milone Herbert and Miriam Mittenthal Mary Wawro and Peter Morrison
Acknowledgements W. Christopher and Winifred Mortenson Brooks Hall and Ms. Sally Bates Hall Mr. and Mrs. Raymond F. Murphy, Jr. Jean and David Nathan Germain Newton Susan and Stephen O’Brien Kate Heller O’Reilly Edward and Claire Orenstein Nannette Orr Mr. and Mrs. Stanley T. Pardo Amy and Peter Pastan Philip and Christina Pastan Neil Paterson Elliot and Deborah Perlman Robert and Leslie Perlman Pamela Perun Melissa and Nathaniel Philbrick Joe and Ruth Plandowski Anne De Lone and John M. Plukas Sheila David and David Policansky Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah W. Powell Roberta and Victoria Prisco Mr. and Mrs. Philip W. Read Susan and Henry Reeder, Jr. John Rich Jeanne W. Riggs Susan E. Robinson Gregory A. and Carol Ross Milton & Roberta Rowland Barbara and Jim Runde Dick and Elizabeth Santoro Gabrielle Nohrnberg and Fabio Savoldelli Pam and Bob Schaecher Gerald W. Schwartz L. Dennis and Susan R. Shapiro Mrs. John J. B. Shea Steve & Frances Siegler Julie Fitzgerald and Carl H. Sjolund Rachel and Sam Slosek Ozzie and Nan Small
Russell and Noni Smith Irwin Smith Stephen and Catherine Snow Penny F. Snow Deirdre and Skip Snyder John and Melissa Soderberg Lars O. and Jane Soderberg Debby Solbert Daisy Soros Eve and Peter Sourian Ms. Delphine Sourian Anne Rosen and Andre Spears Craig and Linda Spery Dr. Robert Stanton Harald S. and Stephanie M. Stavnes Reverend C. William and Linda Steelman Joly Walton Stewart Anne P. Strain Catherine LaFarge Summer Jonathan Swain Henry and Anne Terry Ann and George Thom, Jr. Nikki S. Toole Ross and MaryLou Unruh James G. and Elinor Vaughter Tim E. Bunner and Jonathan Vipond, III Dick and Gay Vogt Maryann Wasik Laura Wasserman Mr. and Mrs. Warren Wegner H. Thomas Weinhardt Joel D. and Judith Weinstein Stephen K. and Ann West John and Nancy Whelan Peter and Winifred Whitman E. Crosby and Augusta Willet Rick and Elaine Williams Leslie Forbes and David Worth Charles and Myra Wrubel Jane Zecher 31
Acknowledgements SUPPORTERS—$50-$99
Barbara Anderson Alison Barr Eleanor A. Giusti and Michael S. Bearse Maureen V. Beck Craig and Jocelyn Beni Fred and Paulette Boling Randi Allfather and Carl K. Borchert Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Brasfield James H. and Alice G. Breed Peter and Annette Brodie H. Robert and Ann Burger Dolly Cannon Frederick and Jean Carleton Carriage House B & B Mary Ellen and Mark Castle Howard B. Chadwick, Jr. Stephen B. Chase Caroline Pollard and Joseph Cialini, Jr. Joanne Curlee Douglas and Sandra Denninger Dennis and Amy-Ann Doran Larry and Deborah Dunham Dr. and Mrs. John W. Feuerbach Emory and Ellen Freeman Dr. John W. Gerster Margaret Gilfoy William P. Golden Robert and Penny Grimes Jean B. and Hugh Halsell, III Nancy J. Hammond Debbie Hartman Robert and Bonnie Harvey Nancy and Bruce Hautpman Kimberley Hiscano Tamzin Carr Hutchinson Diane H. Karper Ann Schraff Keating Sanford KendallLynn Lewis Helen Manchester 32
Andrew McKenna-Foster Robert and Harriet Noyes Trish Pastuszak Henry and June Pfeiffer Kathryn and Thomas Pochman Peter and Nancy Rodts Liz Coolidge and Elisabeth Sackton Morton and Reva Schlesinger Richard and Claire Seaquist Joan D. Small Smith Point Association Charles and Elna Soule Richard and Alida Storer Theresa and Michael Taylor John R. Wagley Mr. and Mrs. A. Charles Walters, Jr. Joseph L. and Erika Wells John G. Wofford Betty Zinn We are grateful for gifts made in memory of the following: Brad and Jean Coolidge—Gift from Liz Coolidge and Elisabeth Sackton Daniele Cumbie—Gift from Richard L. Cumbie Lorraine Pease—Gift from Susan E. Robinson Debby Stanton—Gift from Dr. Robert Stanton We are grateful for gifts made in honor of the following: Claude Bamberger—Gift from Gary and Vivian Weisner Fred Cowles—Gift from Antoinette Lefebvre and Gregory Cowles Lucy Dillon—Gift from Maryann Wasik Andrew Perlman—Gift from Robert and Leslie Perlman
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