The Land Conservancy of Ridgefield elects a new President
The Land Conservancy of Ridgefield elected Ms. Joan Corley as President at its 2016 annual meeting. Ms. Corley succeeds Mr. Douglas Martin, who was elected as Vice President. The other Board Officers are Ms. Nancy Sullivan Murray, Treasurer, and Mr. Brian Truskowski, Secretary.
The Land Conservancy of Ridgefield applies for National Recognition
The Land Conservancy of Ridgefield, Inc. is delighted to announce that it is applying for accreditation with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working land forever. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. So far only 317 land trusts across the country have earned this national mark of distinction. “This is a major step for the Land […]
Tax Incentive for Conservation Easement Donations Passes Congress
In a strong bipartisan action, the Senate voted 65-33 today to pass the omnibus bill that will make the tax incentive for conservation easement donations permanent. This follows yesterday’s 318-109 vote in the House. This legislation represents a huge win for conservation, for landowners and for the land trust community. Once signed into law the incentive will be applied retroactively to start Jan. 1, 2015. [Read more]
Sidney Kelley honored by Land Conservancy and Town
Sidney G. Kelley was honored by the Land Conservancy of Ridgefield as Honorary Director. Mr. Kelley has been an active member of the land trust’s board for 43 years including ten years as president. During this time, more than 655 acres of land were added to the trust to remain in their natural state in perpetuity. Mr. Kelley was also presented with a Town of Ridgefield Proclamation from First Selectman Rudy Marconi, recognizing his devotion to the protection of Ridgefield’s natural resources. [Read More]
In memory of Mr. Thomas Belote
The Land Conservancy of Ridgefield mourns the loss of one of our long time board members and active Ridgefield community member. Mr. Thomas Belote died on Sunday, September 6th. His advice, active involvement and knowledge of our community will be missed. More information can be found on the Ridgefield Press website at “http://www.theridgefieldpress.com/50525/thomas-belote-68-attorney-oldtimer/”.
Land Trust Accreditation Scheduled
The Land Conservancy of Ridgefield has been accepted as part of the 2016 Land Trust accreditation program. We will be participating in “Round 1” of the 2016 assessment program. This is a significant milestone in the organization’s history.
Letter to all Ridgefielders
Today, the Land Conservancy of Ridgefield sent a letter to all town residents. The letter tells a story of growing up in our town by one long time Ridgefielder (and Land Conservancy of Ridgefield Board Member), the purpose of our organization and why it’s mission is vital to our community. The letter also invites Ridgefielders to consider a donation while staying in touch through this website. If you are interested in receiving our periodic newsletter, please send us an email address.
Application for Land Trust Accreditation
The land trust accreditation program is a mark of distinction in land conservation. Following several years of preparatory work, the Land Conservancy of Ridgefield registered an application with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission (an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance). On this date, we received confirmation that our registration application was accepted.
Conservation Tax Incentive Passes U.S. House
Today, the House of Representatives successfully voted 279-137, demonstrating a supermajority (67%) of support, on H.R. 644, a package of charitable incentives including the conservation tax incentive. The bill passed with bipartisan support. The Land Conservancy of Ridgefield thanks all who were involved in helping achieve this important milestone for conservation. Off to the Senate!
Land Management Plans Progressing
The Land Conservancy is creating Land Management Plans for all of our properties. These plans will complement the Baseline Reports that already exist for all conservation easements. In partnership with the property owners, we are responsible for maintaining several conservation easements in addition to the hundreds of acres of pristine properties we own within Ridgefield. (Please refer to the FAQ section for addition information on our holdings.)