River Walk Acquisition
A Vision for Conservation, Resilience, and Community
While the investment is significant, it is a critical step in ensuring the long-term resilience of our town. WLT will take on the responsibility of ownership and stewardship of the land, actively fundraising throughout the year to make this project a reality. To further ease the financial burden, WLT intends to apply for a state conservation partnership grant and will reimburse a portion of the grant funds to the CPC, ensuring that money remains available for future conservation efforts.
Thank you for voting Yes at Town meeting on 4/28!
Project Financial Structure
- Total Project Cost: $1,325,000
This includes the land's purchase price, the cost of writing and recording the Conservation Restriction (CR) ensuring the conservation values are upheld, and the initial stewardship and improvement funds necessary to ensure responsible ownership.
Breakdown
- Purchase Price: $1,275,000
- Due Diligence, CR Preparation, Stewardship, and Improvements: $50,000
Funding Sources
CPC / Town Meeting Request | $1,200,000 | The value of the Conservation Restriction
WLT – Acquisition Costs | $75,000 | WLT portion of acquisition costs
WLT – Private Fundraising | $50,000 | CR, improvements, legal, and stewardship
WLT will cover the balance of the project through a combination of private fundraising and an anticipated grant from the state to complete the purchase and provide for due diligence, improvements, stewardship and all of the costs associated with preparing and recording the CR. There are no expected ongoing financial obligations to the Town.
Reimbursement Potential – State Grant
WLT will be applying for additional state conservation funding that, if awarded, could reimburse the Town's Community Preservation Fund up to $375,000. This potential reimbursement would reduce the net cost of the CPC contribution significantly. However, due to the highly competitive and uncertain nature of grant funding, we are not asking that this project be contingent upon receiving the grant. This reimbursement opportunity reflects a fiscally responsible approach designed to protect the Town’s CPC reserves while advancing important conservation goals.
Use of Privately Raised Funds
WLT has committed to raising $50,000 privately to support expenses not covered by CPC funds, including:
- Legal & Transactional Costs: $2,000
- Initial Stewardship / Property Management: $1,500
- Improvements & Stewardship Projections: $46,500
These costs will be absorbed entirely by WLT, and the town is not expected to have ongoing financial obligations.
While the investment is significant, it is a critical step in ensuring the long-term resilience of our town. WLT will take on the responsibility of ownership and stewardship of the land, actively fundraising throughout the year to make this project a reality. To further ease the financial burden, WLT intends to apply for a state conservation partnership grant and will reimburse a portion of the grant funds to the CPC, ensuring that money remains available for future conservation efforts.
Why This Acquisition Matters
The River Walk Acquisition is crucial in protecting our town from the growing threat of coastal flooding. Wareham is vulnerable to rising sea levels, with limited green infrastructure to mitigate the impacts. By conserving this land, we will provide a natural space for salt marsh migration, strengthening our coastal resilience and reducing the need for costly engineered solutions.
This property is a habitat transition zone, supporting biodiversity and essential ecosystem functions while acting as a buffer for existing residences. Its preservation will ensure long-term water quality improvements in the Weweantic River, which is already impaired. Land development would exacerbate these issues by increasing nutrient loading from additional residential structures, further degrading the river's health.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
In addition to its environmental benefits, the River Walk property offers a sustainable solution to managing flood risks. Preserving this land, we help guide future development away from high-risk flood zones, protecting homes and properties from future flooding. This strategic conservation approach benefits the environment and saves the town from the financial strain of addressing these challenges through engineered solutions.
Protecting the Community, Protecting the Town's Future
Conserving the River Walk property will enhance the quality of life for Wareham's residents. The land will continue to provide recreational opportunities for the public and foster deeper community engagement with nature. WLT is committed to ensuring that the property remains accessible to all, with plans to install a parking area and informational signage. Additionally, the property will be included in WLT's regular, free-of-charge hike schedule, promoting shared learning and safe access for community members.
Beyond recreation, this project brings economic benefits. Currently designated under Chapter 61 forestry, the land contributes little to the tax base. If developed, the addition of 12 new structures would strain town infrastructure and emergency services and require costly investments in sewering-an option that is not feasible for this property. By preserving the land, we avoid these costs and ensure the tax burden on residents does not increase.
Moreover, as neighboring properties benefit from proximity to publicly accessible open space, the surrounding community will see enhanced property values, leading to higher tax contributions over time.
A message from the owners
I wanted to share some thoughts and history about the land we hope the Wareham Land Trust will one day protect. This parcel-hopefully to be known as River Walk-has been in my family since my grandfather acquired it in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Thanks to the Chapter 61A forest management designation, we were able to keep it from development, preserving its natural beauty while retaining it for our family.
As a child, I spent summers on Cromesett Point, where the dense, untamed woods were nearly impassable. In 1986, I bought a parcel on Cromesett Point from my parents, where I built a house. Shortly thereafter, I began clearing trails during the winters. I discovered a hidden world along the Weweantic River, which I had never seen before. Decades of careful forest management have transformed this land. The 38′ hurricane had wiped out the mature white pines, making way for scrub oak, maple, pitch pine, and mostly bull briers. The forest management resulted in the slow return of mature white pine forests, and with it, a thriving ecosystem has emerged. White pines now stand tall, holly trees flourish, and diverse wildlife has returned.
Though it's bittersweet to pass this land on, I take comfort in knowing it will be preserved rather than developed. The Wareham Land Trust's work is invaluable, ensuring that future generations can explore and cherish the landscapes that define our town. Protecting land like this isn't just about conservation-it's about safeguarding the character, charm, and outdoor spaces that make our community special. I hope the WLT can continue its mission of creating lasting places for people to connect with nature. The Wareham Land Trust has, and continues to, create many trails around town that give us all public access that never existed before. It is really fun and educational to see some of these places. These days many people spend their time glued to a screen. I'd say take a hike, or maybe I should say a walk in the woods!
A Long-Term Commitment to Community and Conservation
WLT's commitment to the River Walk project goes beyond conservation; we are committed to engaging the community meaningfully. This acquisition represents an investment not only in the land but also in Wareham's future. We look forward to working with the town to ensure this property remains a natural, recreational, and environmental asset for generations to come.
We ask for your support in securing the River Walk Acquisition project. Together, we can protect our community, preserve our natural heritage, and build a more resilient future for Wareham.