How OCT Protects Land
The Trust acquires land for conservation in a variety of ways. Generous, preservation-minded landowners make gifts of land (owned by OCT and conserved in perpetuity), establish Conservation Restrictions on their land, or arrange to sell land to OCT.
But as land becomes more valuable, setting aside new land for open space becomes ever more challenging. Sometimes it takes a village — or at least a neighborhood — to help the Trust raise enough funds to purchase a piece of land that’s special to people who live nearby, or to the entire community. A property may protect treasured views or water quality or rural character; it may offer the potential for a wildlife corridor or a peaceful trail.
OCT has over a half-century of experience in protecting land in Orleans, and a track record of bringing people together to make it happen. Providing our expertise, leveraging grant opportunities, and working with committed residents who help organize neighbors and step forward with contributions, OCT has successfully completed land acquisitions that at first seemed dauntingly difficult. Such projects help build community and offer immense satisfaction to those who had a hand in permanently protecting treasured places in their own backyard.
Current Land Acquisition Projects
Eli Rogers Road Woodland and Watershed Protection
OCT was in a highly competitive real estate market when we learned that over 5 acres at 33 Eli Rogers Road had recently been listed for sale. We acted carefully but expeditiously in partnership with The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, who took out a loan and purchased the property for $1M on June 30, 2023, giving OCT an opportunity to raise the funds to protect the property.
The land included a 4-bedroom home in decent condition, and OCT has already removed two neglected, aging cottages, restoring the area to its natural state to enhance habitat value, protect water quality, and add climate resilience. The 4-bedroom home was resold, which allows for the protection of 4.5 acres at an attractive price, while still reducing the number of houses and septic systems on the property.
33 Eli Rogers serves as an important link between preserved land in Brewster and the 500-acre protected Orleans Watershed. It’s recognized by the state for being especially important for the protection of drinking water (Mass DEP Zone II Groundwater Protection District), and it includes habitat for rare species, as well as vernal pool wildlife breeding habitat. Because of its proximity to the Watershed, it also provides opportunities for enhanced public access to that large tract of forest.
June 2024 Update: FUNDRAISING IS COMPLETED – Thank you, supporters! Orleans residents overwhelmingly supported the Town's contribution of $200,000 from Community Preservation Act funds to the project at Town Meeting in May, and OCT received over 80 donations totaling over $100,000 since mid-April. OCT will also receive a $175,000 Conservation Partnership Grant from the state, and the additional proceeds of the home resale will allow us to complete this project, protecting this important land in perpetuity.
If you'd like to replenish OCT's Land Acquisition Fund so we can continue to take advantage of more opportunities like this one at a moment's notice, you can restrict your donation to that purpose through an online donation. Thank you!
Watch a Lower Cape TV video about the project here!
33 Eli Rogers Road
By the Numbers
Acres to be conserved: 4.5
Buildable lots: 2-3 (excluding lot slated for resale)
Purchase price: $1M
Fundraising goal: $100,000, plus $200,000 from Orleans CPC
Habitat: Pine-oak upland with huckleberry understory; small vegetated wetland (possibly a vernal pool)
