Amid, and arguably because of, these incredibly protected landscapes, our region remains one of the fastest growing in the state and east coast. We are being confronted with the tension between growth and land loss on a daily basis. Area residents are accustomed to rezonings, clearcuts for new neighborhoods, and annexations, and it could be easy to feel defeated, tired or even fearful that growth will overwhelm our natural resources.

If we grow haphazardly, pushing new residential developments, gated communities, and roads into these wild places, we do so at their peril and ours. If we rest on our laurels and fail to protect additional landscapes, we lose control of incoming growth. We lose access to water, meaning the loss of the ability to fish, swim and recreate. We lose a connection to a place defined by sweeping marshes and heathy rivers.

At OLT, we’re building a coastal greenbelt to connect landscapes of protected properties, working forests and thriving agricultural fields to protect our towns. We’re working with partners–landowners, funding programs, elected officials, partner land trusts, and dedicated community supporters–to achieve our goals. Proactive land conservation will help us overcome growth headaches seen in our communities and protect our quality of life.