Celebrating 50 Years Of The Nantucket Land & Water Council

To the editor: 2024 marks the 50th Anniversary of a truly remarkable organization that I am deeply proud to be a part of. The Nantucket Land & Water Council (originally established as the Nantucket Land Council, Inc.) was founded by a group of impassioned, purposeful, pioneering individuals who cherished the island’s pristine natural setting and were troubled by increasing environmental degradation and loss of rural character.

Over the last 50 years, the NLWC has permanently protected over 2500 acres of land - including in such iconic areas as Squam Farm, Bartlett’s Farm, and Linda Loring’s land on Eel Point, and spent more than 25,000 hours reviewing proposals, writing letters, and commenting publicly on issues affecting our environment and natural resources. Through steadfast vigilance, thorough research, thoughtful analysis, determined advocacy, and impactful action, the NLWC has defended the health of our island environment and community in many ways including, among others:

• successfully advocating for for the adoption of pioneering groundwater regulations on Nantucket
• establishing an overlay protection district for our public drinking water supply
• launching their Conservation Restriction program which now boasts 94 restrictions
• leading the effort to map the Island’s watersheds and adopt critical regulations to protect our groundwater
• developing the first eelgrass habitat restoration project in Nantucket Harbor
• establishing the NLWC Waterkeeper Program and Water Fund
• helping to shape and raise awareness around much-needed fertilizer regulations for the island in order to reduce nutrient loading in our ponds and harbors.
• successfully advocating against the installation of PFAS-laden artificial turf at the Nantucket Public Schools
• leading the effort to establish a Clean Water Coalition
• establishing a first-of-its-kind PFAS private well sampling pilot program in partnership with the Nantucket PFAS Action Group.

This time last year, in recognition of our longstanding history of defending clean water with clear action, the NLWC collectively voted to add WATER to our name and adopted a new strategic vision. This vision recognizes the importance of our role as an environmental advocate and communicates the clear connection between the health of our land and water resources, and the health of our community.

Our island environment is under ever-increasing pressure due to ongoing development, escalating density, and the accompanying strain on our infrastructure, along with unsustainable land management practices and rising sea levels—all of which impact our land and water resources. With its successful 50-year tenure as Nantucket’s trusted environmental advocate, the NLWC is in an important leadership position today to continue informing and helping to shape new policy and new directions for the island.

We stand ready to partner with this community in ensuring our wonderful natural resources and clean, healthy environment are protected for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Lucy Leske
President, NLWC Board of Directors