On Jan. 27, a report released by the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) shocked the conservation community by proposing major decreases in federal tax deductions for land conservation easements and related transactions. If enacted, these proposals would severely curtail efforts to protect open space on Long Island and across the country.

North Shore Land Alliance, Inc. (NSLA), a land trust serving the north shore of Long Island, is currently pursuing more than 60 projects representing nearly 1,000 acres of land. While the primary motive in saving land is open space protection, charitable tax deductions play a key role in enabling many more people to participate. With less than 10,000 acres of open space left in Nassau County alone, we need all the conservation tools possible.

NSLA is mounting a vigorous response to these ill-conceived proposals, working with its members as well as a coalition of national conservation leaders and allies. To succeed, we need the help of every friend, neighbor and citizen. Letters to your US Senators and Representatives asking them to help in fighting these proposals are essential. Our local opinion does count.

Draft letters and information on how to contact our elected officials are on the NSLA website at www.northshorelandalliance.org or please call NSLA for assistance at 516-626-0908.

Carter F. Bales

Chair, Board of Trustees, North Shore Land Alliance