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We are pleased to present the first issue of "Tall Pines," the newsletter of the Tall Pines Conservancy (CLC). The Tall Pines Conservancy is a non-profit land trust whose mission is to "preserve the scenic views, open space, water quality, and natural habitats of the plant and animal denizens of our local environment for the enjoyment of current and future generations. Published twice a year, "Tall Pines" will provide reports updating you on CLC's activities, notices of recent acquisitions and donations, and articles designed to help landowners better care for their property.

A land trust is a private, community-based, non-profit organization established to protect land and water resources for the public benefit. The term "trust" means the resource is made permanently safe from undesired development. One of the most important roles of a land trust is to work with landowners who are concerned about protecting their land and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Land trusts provide advice on protection strategies that best meet the landowner's conservation objective(s). These strategies may include donating or selling parcels of land to the land trust, or, donating or selling conservation easements on the land. Such easements can be designed to meet the specific needs of the landowner.

A land trust also provides educational assistance to individuals interested in learning more about land preservation techniques and the tax benefits associated with these techniques.  The Chenequa Land Conservancy will be able to help landowners identify the best land protection options available for the particular situations and objectives.  The land trust will also help identify parcels within and adjacent to the Village of Chenequa which are of significant value to maintaining the Village's character.

The year 2000, our "premier" year was also a very active first year. Please read about our accomplishments in this edition of Tall Pines.  We are currently working on a number of different projects within and adjacent to the Village. This year we anticipate completing at least five conservation easements, some of which we hope will increase our land holdings through additional land acquisitions.

Please join us in preserving the Chenequa we all know and love. We welcome your involvement with the Tall Pines Conservancy, whether through financial support or volunteer time, or both. As an accredited 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization, the Tall Pines Conservancy can accept donations of land, easements, and development rights in return for tax benefits to the donor. If you would like to get involved with the Chenequa Land Conservancy or would like to make a contribution to its operating fund, please contact a member of our Board for further information or send a check by mail to our address.

Please let us know what you think of the Chenequa Land Conservancy newsletter, and what you would like to see included in future editions.

We welcome questions and comments regarding this newsletter. We are here to serve the community and look forward to your active involvement.

In September 2000, the Tall Pines Conservancy, working together with concerned citizens of the community, marked two important occasions. First, the purchase of farmland property in the village in excess of 100 acres was completed. "Estate buyers" who agreed to participate with Provident Realty and the Conservancy in the purchase process now own the land.

Second, the Tall Pines Conservancy is now the proud owner of its first property, a 5-acre parcel just south of Pheasant Drive. This purchase was made possible through donations from the neighbors of Pheasant Drive and Pauline's Wood Road and donations throughout the year to our acquisition fund.

These purchases would never have taken place without the extraordinary trust and cooperation exhibited throughout the long negotiations. With the title deeds and title insurance documents in place, the steps toward the placement of conservation easements on the property by the estate buyers will begin. The supporters of these projects are to be commended for their willingness to support the preservation of our natural setting with their personal and financial commitments.

This is a great and historic start toward our goal to preserve open space in the village of Chenequa and its environs. see what can be accomplished when concerned citizens work together toward an important community goal!