In late 2024, Jefferson Land Trust began exploring the viability of creating a conservation burial ground on a property on Marrowstone Island, on which we hold a conservation easement and which the current landowner wishes to sell.
Strong opposition to this project from Marrowstone Island residents was voiced through feedback to Jefferson County during the public comment period of the permit application, and in direct feedback to the Land Trust.
We’ve determined that the community’s concerns are unlikely to be resolved through further inquiry and dialogue. Therefore, Jefferson Land Trust is ending its exploration of the viability of this project.
As the owners of a conservation easement on the land, we’ll continue to work in good faith with whoever owns the property in the future with the best ecological interests of the land and its wildlife in mind.
Our commitment to finding the right site(s) for a conservation burial ground and memorial forest in Jefferson County remains strong. We’ll continue to keep you updated regularly on project developments.
Learn more about our Conservation Burial Initiative and sign up to let us know you’re interested and you’d like to be kept informed here.
