LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the Brook-
lyn Queens Land Trust

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations and
individuals who generously contribute to the beautification of the
community and well-being of its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 10th Anniversary of the Brooklyn Queens Land Trust; and
WHEREAS, The Land Trust Alliance is a national organization founded 25
years ago to save the places people love by strengthening land conserva-
tion in America; and
WHEREAS, The national conservation community is now 1.5 million people
strong who work to permanently save our most valued natural resource
across America; and
WHEREAS, The many millions of acres saved are made up of farms,
historic sites, mountains, forests, rivers, wetlands and urban gardens;
while the Alliance set out to save land, in the end they build communi-
ty, preserve beauty and instill hope; and
WHEREAS, New York State has 97 land trusts with 170,000 acres owned
and more than 800,000 acres conserved by other means such as easements
for a total of almost 1,000,000 acres; and
WHEREAS, The Alliance in New York has proactively and effectively
steered state Environmental Protection Funds (EPF) to support community
gardens in Brooklyn and Queens, and other metropolitan areas around the
state including Buffalo, Albany and Kingston; and
WHEREAS, Through the Conservation Partnership Program /EPF grants and
targeted technical assistance, the Alliance is working to increase the
quality, and ensure the permanence of community open space conservation
across the State; the Land Trust Alliance administers the Conservation
Partnership program in coordination with the New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation; and
WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Queens Land Trust, an urban community-based
organization, stands out as the owner of 32 community gardens spread out
over 16 different neighborhoods; 26 gardens in the borough of Brooklyn
and six in Queens; and
WHEREAS, Under the able direction of Demetrice Mills, President of the
Brooklyn Queens Land Trust, the organization engaged in a two-year
effort and extensive fundraising to be able to add another garden; and
WHEREAS, After the deed was signed in December of 2013, the Brooklyn
Queens Land Trust BQLT is now the proud owner of 33 community gardens
which encompass 3.5 acres of open space; and
WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Queens Land Trust boasts 600 board members,
gardeners and supporters who value and enjoy their small sanctuaries;
and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Friends of the
Brooklyn Queens Land Trust; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions and individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought
to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Brooklyn Queens Land Trust; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Demetrice Mills, President, Brooklyn Queens Land Trust.