Annie Jacobs, January 1, 2024
As of January 1, 2024, the merger between the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance and Rensselaer Land Trust is effective, as approved by the New York State Attorney General’s office and the Secretary of State.
This merger was in the works for over a year, with board members of both organizations planning together, along with RPA staff, to support a smooth transition and lay the groundwork for many years of conservation to come.
In 2024, we will complete a new strategic plan and branding process. We look forward to sharing a new organizational name, mission, and website with you over this next year — all with the aim of more fully serving the land and human communities here in Rensselaer County and beyond.
What does this mean for RLT and RPA's conserved lands and community programs?
The land trust that emerges will own over 3,600 acres of forests, wetlands, and community spaces, and will oversee over 2,000 acres of private land protected by voluntary conservation easements. Together the two organizations have conserved almost 16,000 acres.
All natural areas conserved by the land trusts will remain protected in perpetuity. The community programs, volunteer committees, events, and partnerships of both land trusts will continue to serve people of all ages in the Capital Region. The merger will allow us to make greater strides in land and water conservation at a time when it’s more important than ever.
We hope all members of both land trusts will come along on this journey with us. With you, the new organization will be able to make a lasting, wide-reaching impact. Our climate, our wildlife, and our future generations will have you to thank.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Jim Bonesteel at 518-712-9211 or jim@rensselaerplateau.org. We would love to hear from you at this pivotal moment for local conservation.
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