Our mission statement states that we preserve land in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations of Mattapoisett residents and visitors.  We believe that if we do not act to preserve valuable natural resources, market forces for development will destroy much of what we love about Mattapoisett.  Since residents are unwilling to impose new taxes to save these lands, concerned individuals have chosen to protect some land through a private, non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization.

Who manages the MLT?

The MLT is managed by the Board of Directors which is elected each year by the membership at the annual meeting.  The Directors have all volunteered their services.

Why not just leave this to state and town government?

As a private organization the MLT has more flexibility in both negotiating a transfer of land and in obtaining the necessary funding than might be available to a state or local agency.  Also, while the majority of tax payers may be unwilling to raise taxes to purchase open space, a large number of concerned citizens may be willing to make the purchase through this non-profit entity.

Why would someone make a gift to the MLT?

The primary reason, of course, is that the individual agrees with, and wishes to promote, the goals of the organization.  In addition, there may be more specific reasons:

• The individual may wish to avoid paying capital gains on appreciated property or securities by making a donation of that property or securities directly to the MLT.
• The individual may wish to transfer the property in such a way that he or she maintains certain rights on the property for some time.
• The individual may wish to transfer only the development rights on the property thereby reducing the assessed value of the property for taxes.
• The individual may wish to donate land as a memorial to a loved one.

Where does the money come from to operate the MLT?

Most of the funds to operate the MLT come directly from its many supporters through membership dues as well as other bequests or charitable gifts, all of which are tax-deductible.  Some of the funds come from the sale of merchandise, which are not tax-deductible.  Finally, we hope eventually to attract grants to fund some of our preservation and education activities.

Do other towns have land trusts?

The MLT was one of the first local land trusts on the South Coast but has been joined by land trusts in all of the towns surrounding Buzzards Bay.  We have a special interest in coordinating our activities with the Fairhaven-Acushnet Land Preservation Trust, the Sippican Lands Trust (Marion), and the Rochester Land Trust.

Are all gifts to the MLT tax deductible?

The MLT is registered as a 501c(3) charitable organization; as such, all contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Does the MLT have any official connection to the Town’s Conservation Commission?

No.  While we would hope to work in ways that are compatible with the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board, the actions of the MLT are the responsibility solely of the membership of the MLT and its Board of Directors.

Is the MLT against all development in Mattapoisett?

No.  In fact, one of our concerns is the lack of affordable housing in our community.  We do believe that development must be balanced by land preservation if we are going to maintain the characteristics of Mattapoisett that we find so attractive.

Can restrictions be put on land donated or sold to the MLT?

Yes.  We can accept reasonable and appropriate restrictions on land transfers.  For example, we can accept restrictions that the land only be held for conservation purposes, or that the land never be sold.  We may be able to accept more restrictions than would be permitted by the town Conservation Commission.

If more land is held by the MLT, won’t my property taxes go up?

The tax rate that we pay is calculated by dividing the cost of government services provided by the total taxable assessed valuation.  While it is true that land held by the MLT reduces the total taxable assessed valuation, it also dampens increases in the cost of government services.  (Our lands don’t require schools or other community services.)  It may, in fact, be the case that preserving land from development helps limit tax increases.

Who may join the Mattapoisett Land Trust?

Membership is open to any individual who wishes to support the organization through the payment of annual dues; membership is not restricted to residents of Mattapoisett, whether full- or part-time.  We have also created a membership category for children under 12 called “Friends of Salty”, named after our famous seahorse.