THE MANY WAYS TO GIVE TO BLT
Annual Appeal: Your year end donation fuels the engines of conservation here at BLT. Gifts to the Annual Appeal support operations, land preservation and the stewardship of 521 acres. Membership: BLT s ability to speak and act for conservation resides in the strength of its membership. Gift Membership: Do you know someone that you would like to introduce to BLT? Consider joining BLT in their name. We ll send them a package of information introducing them to BLT s efforts to preserve this place we love. Gifts in Memory or in Honor: Special gifts are an excellent opportunity to memorialize a loved one or honor the special occasion of a friend or family member. We ll send a note to your friend or to the family of a loved one and acknowledge your gift in the BLT newsletter. Support or Sponsor BLT Special Events: Attending events is a fun way to support BLT and enjoy some of the best things Cape Cod has to offer: boating, sightseeing, historical remembrances, great gifts, good food and like minded conservationists. Call us if you d like to sponsor one of these celebrations or if you d like to help. Volunteer: Help BLT by volunteering in the office. Become a village coordinator or a land steward. There are many ways to donate your time. Bequests: A planned gift through your will, trust or even your retirement plan is a flexible way to support BL T s land preservation efforts. In order to help you plan more fully please call BLT at (508) 771- 2585. Donate Land or a Conservation Restriction: Preserving your land entitles you to income tax, property tax and estate tax reductions. Your gift will help you and your family save taxes and also help to preserve the quality of life here on Cape Cod.
RESOURCES
NEWSLETTER OF THE BARNSTABLE LAND TRUST
Fall/Winter 2003
A CRITICAL CROSSROAD
A Unique and Valuable Ecosystem that Warrants Special Protection and Management
Gift of H. Gates Lloyd, 1993
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he cover story of BLT s summer newsletter, Out on a Limb, told about efforts to preserve the Furman Property. Here s an update. The Furman Property lies north of Route 6-A near Navigation Road. For years the 57-acre property has aroused interest among the conservation community. It is one of the largest undeveloped tracts of land in the Town. And it lies in the Barnstable Harbor/Sandy Neck Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) an area that has long been recognized by a wide range of conservation authorities as a unique and valuable ecosystem that warrants special protection and management.
Barnstable Land Trust
Box 224, Cotuit, Massachusetts 02635 visit our website: www.blt.org
Address Service Requested
The whole area is part of a greater 14,000-acre coastal resources system that stretches from Dennis to Sandwich. It includes Chapin Beach in Dennis, the Chase Garden Creek salt marsh and Bass Hole in Dennis & Yarmouth, and the salt marsh and beach at Town Neck and Spring Hill in Sandwich. Wildlife abounds within the marsh, dunes, and beach. Deer, coyote and fox are prevalent. Sightings of almost 300 species of
View of the Furman property from Navigation Road
birds have been made and over 160 species of vascular plants, including some 85 varieties of wildflowers, have been noted. The Sandy Neck ACEC provides important nesting and feeding habitat for a number of shorebirds including the federallythreatened piping plover and least terns, as well as feeding habitat for numerous migrating shorebirds. To preserve the integrity of this unique ecosystem, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) focused on preserving land in and
around the ACEC. When BLT signed on to assist TNC with the Furman acquisition, we knew it was a unique opportunity. But never in the history of BLT has a project presented such a challenge. TNC s vision was of a federal, state and local partnership. With all eyes fixed on receiving a major U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant, we moved forward last
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Barnstable Land Trust
Box 224, Cotuit, MA 02635 Office: 407 North Street Hyannis, MA (508) 771-2585 email: blt@cape.com website: www.blt.org
$300,000 commitment of Town Land Bank Funds propelled us forward and the federal grant application was filed in June. In early summer BLT and TNC began the private fundraising to jointly raise a private match of $200,000. In December, approval of the federal grant was announced. With the commitment of $550,000 from federal, state and local government and $153,000 raised toward the private match, the total acquisition price of $750,000 seemed within reach. But we never envisioned that the state s fiscal crisis would precipitate drastic cuts in open space funding that could potentially risk the loss of the federal funding. Now, unexpectedly, we find ourselves trying to persuade state officials to live up to their promised share of $50,000. Luckily, the Furman s want to see their land preserved and have agreed to a two month extension to February 20th. The additional time will enable us to focus on efforts to restore state funding for projects View toward Sandy Neck that leverage federal dollars. And we ll have a little more time to continue raising the remaining $47,000 in private funding necessary to complete the project. Now from our vantage point we are not nearly as far out on a limb . The prospect is good that by March, the Furman Property will be owned by the Town of Barnstable. And to ensure its permanent protection the Massachusetts Division of Conservation and Recreation (MDCR) and Barnstable Land Trust will jointly hold a conservation restriction on 57-acres that will remain forever wild.
Tributes and Memorial Gifts
In Honor of:
Mr. & Mrs Frank Webber from Nancy S. Wright Audrey Loughnane for her service to the town from Jaci Barton Arthur & Barbara Rittel for their generosity and friendship from Mr. & Mrs. Norman Grocer
In Memory of:
Jane Eshbaugh from Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Eshbaugh Nancy Bacon from Howard B. Bacon Fred Field IV from Harold Brinn from Arthur & Barbara Rittel Sandra & Warren Nickerson Ernest T. Carlson from Gloria Carlson The Kinlin Family Sepp (Joe) Dietzgen from Eva Sedell Peg Dietzgen Edith Friedman from Barbara and Arthur Rittel Clare Putnam Cathy Hayden from Linn Gould Cyndy Hayden Joan Bentinck-Smith Jaci Barton & Vernon Grabel Dick (Herbert) Dixon from Mr. & Mrs. Peter C. Luquer Muriel May Maguire from Mrs. Robert Wood Reynolds Edward & Maud Dunn from Stephen & Alice Cooper Jay Randall Powers from Dr. F. Randall & Mrs. Marjorie Powers
Board of Directors:
President: Anne Gould Cotuit Vice President: Jim Ingram Osterville Treasurer: George Manning Osterville Clerk: Lynn Richards Cummaquid Board Members: Christopher Babcock Centerville Pam Boden Cotuit Alex Frazee Marstons Mills Joe Hawley Centerville Sam Keavy Barnstable Richard Largay Cummaquid Donna Lawson Marstons Mills Tom Mullen Barnstable Hid Welch Centerville Mark Wirtanen West Barnstable Executive Director: Jaci Barton Cotuit Newsletter Editors: Jaci Barton Marlene Weir Design and Layout: Maryjo Wheatley
Furman property with Barnstable s Great Marsh
To the West Barnstable Land Acquisition Fund:
In Honor of: In Memory of: Their grandchildren from Donald & Barbara Rogers Anthony J. DeCrosta from Susan A. DeCrosta Ernest & Jean Dietz from Abraham P. Dietz, MD Mr. & Mrs. Felix Mirando Sr. from Felix Mirando, Jr. Jane Burke from Melanie A. Burke Martha Sommers & James Brett, Jr. from Mr. & Mrs. Mercer
Please tell a friend or neighbor about BLT and ask them to become a member, too!
B ARNSTABLE L AND T RUST M EMBERSHIP F ORM
Help preserve open space and protect water quality, scenic vistas and wildlife — forver. e ❒ $1000 Name ❒ $500 ❒ $100 ❒ $50 ❒ $35 ❒ Other $____________ email_________________________________________ Zip ❒ My employer will match my contribution
(I ve enclosed their matching gift form)
How you can help preserve the Furman Property:
Make a gift of cash or securities. For cash donations, just fill out the form on page 7, mark the box for the West Barnstable Land Acquisition Fund and send in your check. To make a gift of securities, contact the BLT office (508-771-2585) and we ll send directions to you or your broker. Ask others to give. If you know an individual or a business who you think might make a donation, please ask them. Or call BLT and we ll contact them. Make a Pledge for 2004. If you have already given in 2003, thank you. To raise the remaining funds we need to be shameless so pardon us for asking if you d consider making a gift in 2004. We have until February 20th to raise the additional funds. 100% of your gift will go toward the preservation of the 57-acre Furman Property
Cape Mailing Address Phone________________________ At Cape Address from _____________to______________ Off-Cape Mailing Address State_____Zip___________Phone
❒ I wish to make a special gift: ❖ in memory of _______________________________
❖ in honor of _________________________________
❒ West Barnstable Land Acq. Fund $
Please mail your tax deductible membership contribution to Barnstable Land Trust, P.O. Box 224, Cotuit, MA 02635
For office use: Date rec d.________________amt._________________renewal______new_____TY_____________DB_____________
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HEALTHY TURF: AERATION & FALL CLEANUP
TURF GRASS AERATION: The root structure of turf grass needs oxygen to breathe . It also needs water to grow properly. Core aeration removes tiny plugs of soil from the turf grass area to allow oxygen and water to get to the root structure. Aeration also helps retard thatch build-up by increasing micro-organism activity, allowing thatch to decompose naturally. It also relieves soil compaction that can strangle a turf grass root and stop it from growing properly. Compaction can occur simply by walking on the turf grass areas or from many diseases including red thread, rust, & summer patch, to name a few. Core aeration process will help relieve the inevitable compaction that occurs. We recommend aerating at least once per growing season for the continued good health and vigor of your turf grass. FALL CLEANUP: Cleaning of leaf litter from your property should be on your must do list this year and every year! Clean leaves from all areas of your property, start high & then work low. Clean your gutters at least two times a year: Spring & Fall. This will help reduce any ice-build-up and potentially many other problems. Clean all planting beds and turf grass areas of leaf litter. This will help prevent any insects or disease fungi that are going to over winter under and in the debris waiting patiently to pounce upon newly emerging buds in early spring. Clean leaves and debris to prevent them from forming a mat. This mat will prevent air and water from circulating to the ground below. The roots of turf grasses continue to grow underground during the dormant season. Finally, a good fall cleaning will give you and your landscape a jump-start on spring! If you ever need the help of Certified Landscape Professionals please do not hesitate to call any of us at Joyce Landscaping in Marstons Mills. We can help you with any questions or concerns pertaining to your property.
ANNUAL MEETING AND CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Three Local Banks and Conservation Administrator Honored at Annual Meeting on November 14
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he Founders Award was given to Rob Gatewood, Barnstable s Conservation Division Administrator, honoring him for 16 years of tireless service in one of the busiest conservation posts in the state. Rob s role has been to work with property owners to mitigate the impacts of proposed development on coastal and inland waterways as well as to maintain town owned conservation lands. The Founders Award is given to honor a person for having the vision to empower the people of Barnstable to preserve the essence of Cape Cod its open spaces and natural resources, wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife. Rob thanked his wife, Deb, for her support and acknowledged the advocacy efforts of the Barnstable Land Trust. Both Deb and BLT have helped sustain him in his work in the Town s most thankless job. The irony of a standing ovation was not lost.
Rob accepting the Founders Award
This newsletter is generously underwritten by Joyce Landscaping, Inc. 68 Flint St. Marstons Mills, MA 02648 (508) 428-4772
he first President s Award was bestowed on three local banking institutions by outgoing President, Alex Frazee. All three banks donated land to Barnstable Land Trust and continue to support BLT s efforts to preserve open space. Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank donated .68 acres in 1989. It was BLT s 3rd acquisition. Represented by David Willard, Community Relations Officer, Cape Cod Five was also thanked for grants that helped BLT to purchase the Cobb Boathouse in Barnstable and the Smith and Sullivan properties in West Barnstable. Cape Cod Bank & Trust donated 4.8 acres in 1992 that are now part of BLT s Marstons Mills River Preserve. The CCBT gift was BLT s 20th land gift. CCBT has sponsored special events and provided furniture, computers, and technical assistance for the office. Nancy Hardaway, Executive Vice President, accepted the award on behalf of CCBT. Cape Cod Cooperative Bank donated 5.57 acres in 1998. It was BLT s 59th land project. The bank continues to mow the field annually to preserve the open meadow. Many consider the property which lies at the intersection of Route 6A and the railroad tracks as the gateway to the village of West Barnstable.
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TWO NEW STAFF MEMBERS AT BLT
After the departure of Assistant Director, Pam Hudson, last February, BLT reorganized and created two part-time positions. In April, June Bertucci of West Hyannisport became BLT s first Office Manager. In May, Marlene Weir of Osterville took on a redefined role as Assistant Director. June brings 20 years of management and information technology experience to BLT, having worked most recently for Tmp. Worldwide, Inc., as a Resume Processing Technology Specialist and Manager and Senior LAN/Systems Administrator. At BLT, June s 28 hour/week, parttime position keeps her busy with membership support activities, daily bookkeeping and accounting, database management, and computer system administration. Marlene s role as Assistant Director is to maintain and develop membership, fundraise and keep the BLT membership informed of BLT activities. The funds development activities include staff support for the Major Gifts Committee, the annual campaign, grant writing and organization of special events. Marlene has worked for 30 years for government and non-profit organizations as a town planner, development director and executive director in Rhode Island and on Cape Cod. She is currently a member of the Town of Barnstable Planning Board, and Chairman of the Local Planning Committee for theTown of Barnstable s Local Comprehensive Plan.
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Changing of the Guard
Retiring Officers and Board Members: Alex Frazee was thanked for her service as President and for leading the effort to create a land management program to care for the lands entrusted to BLT. Richard Largay stepped down as Vice President but will remain on the Board to lend his legal expertise to land preservation projects. Ellen Culver of Cotuit and Joyce Braude of Hyannis were thanked for their service as they completed their 6-year terms. New Board Members and Officers: Three new Board members were elected: Tom Mullen of Barnstable, Christopher Babcock of Centerville and Joe Hawley of Centerville. The 2004 Officers were elected at the November 19th Board meeting. Anne Gould of Cotuit is President and Jim Ingram of Marstons Mills is Vice President. Treasurer, George Manning of Osterville and Clerk, Lynn Richards of Cummaquid will continue in their positions.
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9TH ANNUAL “GIFTS FROM THE SEA”
Gifts from the Sea Major Sponsors
he waterfront estate of Townie and Cay Hornor provided an idyllic site for the 50 x 80 white peaked tent, aside scenic West Bay in Osterville. More than 200 people turned out for a gala evening to bid on 110 silent auction items and enjoy the sumptuous seafood, drinks and desserts. The occasion was to support and celebrate the work of the Barnstable Land Trust at the 9th Annual Gifts From the Sea . Master of Ceremonies, Joe Hoffman set the tone for the event, urging patrons to bid on beautifully displayed silent auction items. Folk music by Richard Gregory Allen and his BL T Band added to the ambiance. Excitement surrounded bidding on the Catered Cocktail Party for 20 at the Cotuit Bay beach house of Jim and Anne Gould. Gretchen Reilly and Jim Ingram both won out thanks to the generosity of the Goulds and the Culvers who agreed to cater two cocktail parties at the final bid price of $2,500 each! Resourcefulness abounds among auction volunteer committee members. Ellen Culver produced an old 8 wooden dinghy with retractable oarlocks donated by Wingate and Janet Lloyd. Karl Svensson and David Nisula were recruited to scrape, sand, prep and paint the dingy. Ellen solicited the special marine paint brushes - even the masking tape - from Oyster Harbors Marine. Art work and handcrafted items once again proved irresistible to the bidders. Among the artists and artisans represented were Elizabeth Mumford, Beverly Klucher, Sarah Ringler, Carol Travers Lummus, C.F. Loomis, Susie McLean, Charles Harden, Karen Fitzgerald Buckley, Tony Will, Carol-Jean O Toole, Peaco Todd, John Woodward, Bob Livingston, Joseph Cobb, George Warren, Eric Michelson, Fermi Aro, Audubon, Deborah Whitney, Barbara Rittel and Al Barbour. Cahoon Museum of Art, Old Farmhouse Antiques, Yankee Accent and the Claire Murray Store also contributed auction items.
Donated vintage dingy sets the mood
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Artists Robert Mesrop and Jean Carbonell spent the afternoon on the Hornor property each preparing a work of art. As the silent auction closed, their two wet paint pieces became the focus of attention of a live auction. The evening s food and beverages were outrageous in quantity and quality. The non-stop raw bar of oysters, shrimp and clams supervised by Jane Glavine were supplied by Rob Ashworth, Cape Cod Oyster Company, Cotuit Sea Farms and the International Inn. The clams and oysters kept eight volunteer shuckers busy all night. Eight volunteer bartenders served liquor and beer donated by Fancy s Market of Osterville and wine from Hyannis Package Store, Cape Cod Package Store and La Petite Maison. Food Chairs, Barbara and Arthur Rittel, coordinated the presentation serving 15 appetizers and salads to tempt every palate. Cyndy Hayden served her famous clam chowder. Stuffed quahogs by Dave Rickel disappeared with a smile. Then came the seafood kabobs loaded with shrimp and scallops provided by Wimpy s Seafood Caf and the International Inn. The kabobs freshly skewered by the kabob crew were grilled on-site by volunteer grill chefs: Sam Keavy , Harry Holway, and Richard Largay. And for those with a sweet tooth there were 21 different homemade desserts ranging from cheesecakes to chocolate truffle cookies!
The Stephen Casey and Carlotta Casey Coyne Fund
Artist Robert Mesrop paints dockside
63 volunteers contributed to the most successful Gifts fr om the Sea ever — raising nearly $37,000 for the Barnstable Land Trust s land preservation efforts.
Artist Jean Carbonnell paints from Hornor beach house
Business Sponsors
Thank you everyone!
The grill crew hams it up
MC Joe Hoffman reviews the auction list
Silent auction draws bidders
John Lawrence Funeral Home
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