Join CLT in our mission to preserve Charlestown’s open space and natural character for the lasting benefit of our community. The land trust preserves and protects the distinctive character of our local area through acquisition and management of open space.
Charlestown Land Trust is a primarily a volunteer organization managed by the Board of Directors. Over 300 member families support Charlestown Land Trust with financial gifts large and small. Many members go further and donate their time and efforts.
As a Land Trust, Charlestown Land Trust acquires land and development rights for the purpose of preservation of open space. We place restrictions and specifications in our deeds to ensure that the lands and rights acquired are forever maintained according to the wishes of the original owner.
Charlestown Land Trust was incorporated 1996 in Rhode Island as a private non-profit conservation corporation. The new organization was given tax-exempt status in 1998 by the Internal Revenue Service under Code Section 501(c)(3).
The Land Trust requested exemption from the Charlestown Town Council for real estate taxes on lands that were acquired. In 1998, the Council granted the Land Trust exemption of property taxes. The first parcel that was acquired was the 1996.
The organizations founding members included; Carole Brown, Gordon Foer, Roe LaBoissere, Joanne Monk, and Ruth Platner.
Executive Director: Kathan Teepe
Board: Bill McCusker (President), Patrice Fenton (Vice President), John Varadian (Treasurer), Jane Burns (Secretary), Angela Brunetti, Bruce Dancause, Dave Fredrikson, Katherine Gibson, Keith Killingbeck, Kent Kreutler, Lisa McGinley, Doug McGovern, Sheila Martin
Directors Emeriti: Elaine Checchia, Roger Greenall, Margaret Howard, Karen Jarret, Roe LaBossiere, Dr. Russell Ricci
Preserve and protect the distinctive character of our local area through acquisition and management of open space.
Charlestown Land Trust – Charlestown’s Land Trust – preserves and protects the distinctive character of our local area through acquisition and management of open space.
Protecting the natural, historic and scenic character of South County is a wise investment. The cost to taxpayers can be high when open space is used for residential development. The cost of services such as schools, roads, and police are often greater than the taxes collected from such development. An undesirable result: taxes increase as open space decreases.
Preservation of open space minimizes the strain of rapid development thus stabilizing taxes. It also helps to strengthen property values.
South County’s tourism-based economy depends on the rural and scenic character of our community – yet another reason to preserve open space.
CLT envisions a community of citizens who understand the importance of maintaining a healthy natural environment while meeting the community’s social and economic needs.
This environment will support a high quality of life for its citizens, maintain the character of Charlestown and provide opportunities for public enjoyment of conserved lands. Growth and development will be carefully planned and managed. Proactive land conservation will protect in perpetuity the natural resources, waterways, wildlife and scenic beauty with which our community is so generously endowed.