35+ Years of Conservation Leadership

Since 1986, empowering local land trusts with the real estate, legal, and strategic expertise to protect our region's natural places.

Overview

The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, Inc. (The Compact) was founded in 1986 as a nonprofit regional support organization serving six local land trusts. Today, we provide 33 local and regional land trusts and watershed associations with specialized technical expertise to preserve Cape Cod's most critical natural areas.

By safeguarding land, we protect public drinking water, preserve scenic views, conserve wildlife habitats, create public walking trails, and maintain the unique character of Cape Cod that drives our regional tourism economy.

There is no other nonprofit offering these services on Cape Cod. The national Land Trust Alliance has recognized The Compact as a nationwide model for sustainable land trust coalitions.

Autumn landscape with mist over Cape Cod woodlands

10,000+ Member Households

Representing the largest environmental community on Cape Cod, from working families to retirees.

33 Partner Trusts

Local and regional land trusts and watershed associations supported.

70% Member Funded

Supported directly by the recipient local land trusts, with remaining budget provided by municipal contracts and private foundations (such as the Island Foundation, Cape Cod Foundation, and Cape Cod Five Charitable Foundation).

40 Projects Annually

Enabling member land trusts to complete up to forty new land acquisition projects every year across Barnstable County.

Cape Cod coastal dunes overlooking the ocean

Governance

The Compact is governed by a Board of Directors composed solely of volunteer delegates representing each member land trust. The Board meets bimonthly to manage policy, budget, and personnel policy.

Day-to-day operations are led by the Executive Director alongside a team of staff members with complementary backgrounds in law, policy, and nonprofit management. The Compact also draws upon a wide network of regional specialists who volunteer their expertise in surveying, appraising, financial management, field studies, and fundraising.