Origins & Mission
The Madaket Land Trust (“MLT”) was formed in 1979 by four visionary Madaket summer residents: Matthew Byrne, Stan Jacobs, Carl Kasten, and Marshall Taft. They each owned homes on Starbuck Road, built in the late 60’s, and had become alarmed when lots in the Tristam’s Landing subdivision, which had previously been designated by the developer as “greenbelt” or “forever wild”, were being sold and developed. After failing to gain the cooperation of the developer in honoring previous commitments regarding land that was to be left undeveloped, these men brought a lawsuit against the developer in an attempt to halt further lot sales and development until adequate assurances could be obtained regarding lands that were to be left undeveloped.
After obtaining an injunction halting further development, the four owners presented the developer with a proposal that would represent a “win/win” for all parties, and for the public. They offered, at their expense, to create a Massachusetts Conservation Land Trust and to obtain tax exempt status from the IRS. Following the creation of that entity, the developer would transfer ownership of certain parcels of land that had previously been represented as being “greenbelt” by the developer. In exchange, the developer would claim a tax deduction representing the value of the approximately 60 acres of land at issue.
That agreement was ultimately consummated and MLT (then known as the Madaket Conservation Land Trust) became the owner of some of the most visible and highly prized land in the Madaket area, including the beach off Starbuck Road, the moors inside Starbuck Road, oceanfront land on Baltimore Road, and land surrounding Long Pond. It truly was a win/win result, but the biggest beneficiaries are the residents and visitors who now enjoy unrivaled scenic views, open land, and beach access.
In the years that followed, MLT acquired additional parcels of land and it now owns and manages approximately 80 acres in total.
The annual expenses of the trust consist of property maintenance, liability insurance, legal and accounting, and administration. There are no employees or salaries; the trustees are volunteers and all funds needed to meet operating expenses are raised through annual fund raising efforts. Local residents and businesses have generously provided support, recognizing the unique and priceless enjoyment that comes from living adjacent to some of the most pristine open land on Nantucket.
In accordance with an Advance Ruling determination letter issued by the IRS on March 11, 2024, the Madaket Land Trust is authorized to operate as a “public charity” for a 60 month period commencing May 1, 2024 and concluding April 30, 2029 when a final determination will be made.
The current trustees of MLT are Michael Byrne, Karyn Lindsay, Rob Bowman, Bob Danziger, Tony Butler, Mark Kelly, John Wise, and Deane Dray.
In addition to our on-going property maintenance work, over the past several years we undertook two large scale capital projects. The first involved needed improvements to the Tristram’s beach parking area including the installation of new split rail fencing, gate, and signage. We also installed a memorial to dedicate that area in memory of our friend and long-time trustee, the late Ken Lindsay.
The second project, a multi-year effort, involved clearing and removing dead trees from a 7-acre parcel located between Baltimore Road and the Starbuck entrance. That area was badly overgrown and full of dead and dying trees which represented an extreme fire hazard. We removed that flammable material to protect abutting owners and improve the appearance of the land. This has been an expensive undertaking and required both a great deal of work on our part and support from local residents.
Beginning in November 2024, we will commence work on our so-called “Phase IV” project which will involve removal of dead and dying trees from a 6.5 acre area bounded by Starbuck Road, Columbus Avenue and Midland Avenue. That work is intended to reduce fire hazard in the area, maintain a fire break and enhance wildlife habitat. It has received approval from the Nantucket Conservation Commission and work will commence shortly.
Our longer range plans include a Phase V and VI project along the shore of White Goose Cove.
All of this we view as being in keeping with our mission statement:
“To acquire, maintain, preserve and protect open land in the Madaket area for public benefit.”
Michael Byrne, President
Madaket Land Trust
November 2024