SUPPORT LAND & WATER CONSERVATION The Massachusetts Environmental Trust is launching a new “Land and Water Conservation” license plate that will support the conservation of land critical to the protection of the Commonwealth’s water resources. Similar plates in other states have conserved tens of thousands of acres in recent years. This new tool for land conservation is needed here now more than ever. Development near our lakes, ponds, rivers and coasts - and the fertilizer, storm water run-off and other non-point source pollution it brings - is the greatest single threat to Massachusetts waters. YOUR CONTRIBUTION Conservation and protection of supporting land is the most effective strategy for protecting the region’s water quality, fish and other rare aquatic species and habitat. Protecting buffers along our rivers, lakes and ponds is essential to keep these waters clean for drinking water, recreation and wildlife. Proceeds from the new Land and Water Conservation license plate will be segregated in a separate fund dedicated to the acquisition, stewardship and restoration of land affecting 9,000 miles of streams and rivers, 1,100 lakes and ponds and over 1,500 miles of coastline - of which many thousands of acres are unprotected. By purchasing this plate, you help protect core terrestrial and wetlands habitat and other priority watershed areas as identified on the State’s Natural Heritage Biomap, Living Waters, and Statewide Land Conservation Plan. The Trust will provide grants to support: the purchase or donation of land conveyance of conservation restrictions transfer of municipal tax title properties inventories and mapping of critical watershed parcels appraisals, legal fees and other due diligence costs revolving loan programs creative partnerships that leverage new funding and other innovative conservation approaches The Massachusetts Environmental Trust protects the lakes, rivers and coastal waters of Massachusetts. Proceeds from the Trust’s Right Whale, Brook Trout and Blackstone Valley Mill specialty license plates have funded over $16 million in water protection initiatives throughout the Commonwealth. Home !  Contact !  Sitemap