Mattapoisett Land Trust is pleased to announce the purchase of 120 acres of beautiful woods, wetlands and salt marshes in the Pine Island Pond watershed. This acquisition brings MLT’s total holdings in the Old Aucoot District to 425 acres stretching from Route 6 to Pine Island Pond. For more information about these lands, including a video flyover, see the home page of MLT’s website at www.mattlandtrust.org.
This is the largest land acquisition accomplished by MLT since its founding in 1974, and involved funds from a variety of sources. First, at Town Meeting last May, voters approved (by a vote of 390 to 13) a contribution of $250,000 from Mattapoisett’s Community Preservation Act as well as general funds. Second, in June, MLT learned that Mattapoisett would receive $960,000 of state grant funding to support the project, bringing the total Town and state funds available to $1.2 million. Finally, remaining funds needed of $250,000 were raised from individuals, families and private associations and foundations.
Gifts ranged from $20 to $50,000 with well over 100 individuals and families donating. In addition, MLT received contributions from the Crescent Beach Improvement Association, the Friends of Angelica, the Point Connett Association and the Brandt Beach Improvement Association, as well as from the Yawkey and Fields Pond Foundations. MLT offers its sincere thanks to everyone who donated money or volunteered time to assist with acquisition of these important lands.