OUR PURPOSE
The purpose of the Conanicut Island Land Trust, as stated in the articles
of incorporation, is "to promote for the
benefit of the general public the
preservation of natural resources
principally in, but not limited to, the Town of Jamestown . . .
To engage in and promote the scientific study of and
education regarding
natural resources . . . to use all properties held or controlled
by the corporation for the benefit of the general public." The Conanicut
Island Land Trust was incorporated in 1984 as
a private, not-for-profit, tax exempt organization under Rhode Island
law, and it is recognized as
a 501(c)(3) qualified non profit organization under the Federal
tax code.
PRESERVATION
The Conanicut Island Land Trust is dedicated to preserving the island's natural resources
and open spaces for the benefit of the entire community. To achieve
these goals, the Land Trust accepts gifts, usually of land, conservation
easements, or development rights from individuals who wish to see
their land preserved. In granting developments rights to the Trust,
the property owners can donate outright or retain possession of
the land while ensuring that their conservation goals are being
met in perpetuity. The Land Trust also accepts other tax deductible
donations, which can be used to advance its programs or for outright
purchases of land parcels for preservation. For further information on conserving your land
click here.
ASSISTANCE
The Land Trust assists the Town Council, the Jamestown Conservation Commission, the Planning Commission and local citizens in their efforts to preserve the rural character of Conanicut Island. The Land Trust can advise a property owner in all aspects of land conservation including structuring the specifics of a donation or purchase, outlining the steps involved, and referring to qualified professionals. The resources of the Land Trust are also available to property owners in cases where another qualified conservation organization is involved.
We currently have legal responsibility for almost 500 acres, and our volunteer stewards oversee the welfare of each property.
EDUCATION
One of the major objectives of the Land Trust is to educate the public, as well as its own members, regarding conservation and preservation issues. The Trust works in a variety of ways to educate the community about the benefits of natural resource preservation. The Land Trust sponsors events such as the Earth Day Cleanup and HeyDay, a family fair celebrating Jamestown's open space properties. Conanicut Island Land Trust also sponsors an annual lecture/field trip series focusing on conservation issues. Educational groups are in some cases granted access to easement areas for field study. Books relevant to conservation issues for both children and adults have been donated to the Jamestown Library. The Land Trust also keeps abreast of current issues through its membership in the Land Trust Alliance and by attendance at workshops or meetings with land trust groups from other Rhode Island communities and all across New England.
