As many are now aware, the North Shore Community Land Trust (NSCLT) played a critical role in the protection of Sunset Ranch and now manages the stewardship fund that will insure its permanent protection.  That said, it is also important to recognize the significance of the NSCLT’s broader role regarding land conservation on Oahu’s North Shore.  For example, did you know that the NSCLT played a significant role in the permanent protection of Pupukea-Paumalu (~1129 acres north of Sunset Ranch)?  This was a parcel that was otherwise subject to significant commercial and residential development that would have negatively impacted the North Shore in so many different ways.  And how about Waimea Valley?  Did you know that the NSCLT was instrumental in the protection of Waimea Valley (~1875 acres south of Sunset Ranch)?  This culturally significant parcel was also threatened by development.  Thanks to the NSCLT and other local organizations, all of this important land on the North Shore has been permanently protected.  The bottom line?  NSCLT is an incredible organization comprised of exceptional individuals who have nothing but the very best interests of the North Shore community in mind.  If you’re interested in land conservation on the North Shore of Oahu, the NSCLT is an organization that you need to know about.  Here is their stated mission:

The mission of the North Shore Community Land Trust (NSCLT) is to protect, steward, and enhance the natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and rural character of ahupua‘a from Kahuku Point to Ka‘ena.

So how can you learn more about land conservation in Hawaii? And how can you get involved?

1.  The NSCLT holds ‘talk story’ events to get the word out and explain not only their efforts, but various land conservation programs available to the community and to land owners.  We highly recommend that you get in touch with the NSCLT and inquire about their next ‘ talk story’ event.  Not only will it be informative, it will get you excited about land conservation in Hawaii.

2.  The NSCLT is currently developing a thoughtful strategy to prioritize land conservation efforts on the North Shore through their “Greenprinting Project”.  Given the amount of land that is currently for sale on the North Shore (through Dole, Continental Pacific and others), it is important to understand the significance of this project.  The NSCLT has a new fundraising campaign called “7 FOR 7” that will assist with raising money for this effort.  Check out the “7 FOR 7” video on our drop down menu on the Event page.

3.  For additional information, or if you want to get actively involved with land conservation on the North Shore of Oahu, contact Sunset Ranch at (808)638-8333 or NSCLT at (808)638-0338.  We also suggest you visit the NSCLT’s web-site at www.northshoreland.org to learn more.

So please get involved with the important cause that is land conservation in Hawaii.  While monetary donations to the NSCLT are great (you can now easily donate via Crowdrise here); we also encourage you to donate your time.  There are many ways to get involved, and the time to get involved is now.  Mahalo!