Dear Members and Friends of Tiverton Land Trust,

Success breeds success!

Thanks to you, Tiverton Land Trust has been able to protect three properties over the the last twelve months — two parcels on Pocasset Ridge totaling 100 acres, and a conservation easement* of 60 acres donated by a far-sighted land owner.

You, our members, have made this possible! We cannot be successful without you!

But financial demands and responsibilities come with success, not only to secure important properties but to maintain them in perpetuity. Adding to this list is the day-to-day operation of the organization itself.

Our costs have been significant over the past year and Tiverton Land Trust looks to you, our donors, to help. If you have not yet made a gift in 2018, please be as generous as you can. And if you have renewed your membership, please consider a second gift toward TLT’s Main Road Vista project.

TIVERTON LAND TRUST BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OfficersPresidentEric WatneVice PresidentRichard D’AddarioTreasurerMike BurkSecretarySue Thayer-Kramers

Scott DeMelloMichele JalbertGreg JonesEduardo RodriguezTrish SylvesterBrian Vasa

Advisory CommitteeLeonard Chace, IIILouise DurfeeGarry PlunkettMartin VanHofMary WehleRoz Weir

* Conservation easements guarantee permanent protection of an owner’s land without giving up ownership. An owner can continue to live on it and use it, and can sell it or pass it on to heirs. What’s more, the landowner can reduce future estate taxes – taxes that otherwise could rob the heirs of their legacy and result in the destruction of one more beautiful piece of land.

— Land Trust Alliance

Our Main Road Vista ProjectWe are very excited that TLT has signed agreements to protect two highly visible properties located just north of Pond Bridge Road and along the shore of Nonquit Pond. Main Road passes here amid well-kept farms and pastures, stone walls, meadows, and views to Ferolbink Farm and the Sakonnet River. These agreements are contingent on raising the necessary funds within 90 days.

Without a conservation easement on these properties, open fields and landscapes would be subdivided for new house lots, removing 15 more acres of farmland from production, and forever blocking familiar vistas that still take our breath away.

The total to be raised for both conservation easements is $248,000.

Because of its scenic importance to Tiverton’s history, at the recommendation of the Tiverton Open Space and Land Preservation Commission, the town agreed to provide $50,000 from the Open Space Acquisition Fund.

This provided the kickstarter for the campaign!

TLT then received a generous gift from an anonymous private foundation — a $40,000 matching challenge. The foundation will match dollar for dollar every donation TLT receives up to $40,000!

TLT will also apply for a state agricultural grant to help fund this project. There are no guarantees of successful funding, and the grant would only cover part of the remaining cost.

This is an opportunity to save Tiverton’s iconic 18th century landscape. Please become a part of the community that recognizes Tiverton’s beauty and historical significance.

As a thank you this year, we enclose the new Tiverton trail guide highlighting the 18 miles of public walking trails preserved so far by local conservation organizations. It reflects the pride we all take in the Sakonnet region and our special places outdoors. Please make as generous a donation as you are able. Together, we can continue to make a real impact on preserving our extraordinary countryside.

Sincerely,

Eric Watne Connie Lima President Former President

Chair for Main Road Vista project