The Nantucket Land & Water Council, Inc. was conceived and organized in 1974 by Nantucket citizens who cherished the island’s pristine natural setting and who were troubled by increasing environmental degradation and loss of rural character. The purpose of the NLWC is to astutely defend Nantucket’s natural resources–ground water, ponds and harbors, salt marshes, rare species, beaches, dunes and natural habitats.
The founders also were offended that a few individuals were converting “owners unknown” land into personal gain. Therefore, from the outset, part of the NLWC’s mission was to be prepared to take legal action to shield undeveloped land from dubious claims and to protect it for public benefit.
The organization was first established as the Nantucket Land Council Inc. The Articles of Organization were signed on August 5, 1974 by:
George A. Fowlkes (President)
Sidney H. Killen (Treasurer)
Margaret P. Kelley (Clerk)
The original Statement of Purpose was written and approved by the first Board of Directors on August 30, 1974. The original Board included:
Carl Borchert, President
Sidney H. Killen, Vice President
George Fowlkes, Vice President
E.V. Huggins, Secretary
Henry Kehlenbeck, Treasurer
Margaret LaFarge, Clerk and Assistant Treasurer
Paul A. Bennett
Dr. Mary F. Brown
Nancy A. Chase
Robert J. Dennis
K. Dun Gifford
Mrs. Hamilton Heard
Daniel F. Kelliher Jr
Margaret P. Kelly
Henry Koch
John F. Meilbey
Norma M. Minstrell
Dr. David B. Voorhees
For 50 years, with the support and commitment of an expanding and dedicated membership and a diverse and dynamic Board of Directors, the NLWC has effectively undertaken extensive programming and initiatives, and with the NLWC’s determined patience and tenacious commitment to do whatever it takes, continues to protect the Island’s fragile land and water resources
We Pay Attention
- Attending all Nantucket regulatory meetings and voicing concerns where projects that may impact our environment are under discussion
- Making recommendations on proposed zoning and bylaw changes and speaking out on behalf of the environment at Annual Town Meeting
- Actively monitoring the health of our harbor and freshwater systems through well, pond and harbor-water sampling and testing
We Raise Awareness
- Educating our community about urgent environmental concerns
- Encouraging our community to shift perceptions and alter environmentally damaging practices through online and print campaigns, educational activities, and awards
We Take Action
- Seeking and holding CRs (Conservation Restrictions) to protect large tracts of open space or essential habitat from a use that would adversely impact our environment or the character of the island (e.g.: 276 acres at the Linda Loring property off Eel Pt. Rd., 180 acres in Squam, 136 acres of Bartlett’s Farm)
- Opposing regulatory decisions that could negatively impact our environment through litigation when necessary, such as the Surfside Crossing development
- Advocating for by-law and policy changes to proactively protect our natural resources, such as regulating fertilizer use
- Creating and administering programs to increase the health of our water resources, such as our eelgrass restoration program
The well-being of our community is intrinsically tied to the health of our island environment, which 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.
Thanks to the support of our current and former board members, donors, directors, staff, volunteers, and supporters, the Nantucket Land & Water Council is and will continue to be a visionary, resourceful, responsive, steadfast, stalwart, and trusted advocate on behalf of Nantucket’s unique and treasured natural environment.