About Us
is to acquire, remediate, and steward lands along Western New York’s waterfronts prioritizing public access.
OUR MISSION
As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, our efforts are intended to help create a truly connected system of public waterfront sites, by acquiring additional waterfront lands to link existing public sites, provide new passive and active public sites in underserved areas, and undertake environmental remediation and ecological restoration projects. We look to educate and inspire current and future generations to become nature’s stewards.
OUR VISION
Our Core Values
Community. Collaboration. Diversity. Innovation. Integrity. Persistence. Stewardship. Sustainability.
Anti-Discrimination Statement: The BNRLT does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
Our Story
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![Logo of Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust featuring a city skyline and a green leaf, with the organization's name below.]()
August 2012
BNRLT Incorporated
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![Group of seven people posing playfully outdoors, all smiling, set in a green grassy area with trees in the background.]()
August 2014
Received 501c3 Status
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![A lush green park area beside a calm river, with young trees planted along a pathway. A chain-link fence runs alongside the path and a metal bridge spans the river in the background, set against a clear blue sky.]()
September 2014
Purchased 1660 Niagara Street
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![A small river or canal with a grassy bank, lined with young trees and bushes. The water reflects the sky and surrounding greenery. In the background, there's an overpass bridge and utility poles under a partly cloudy sky.]()
September 2017
Remediation of 1660 site
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![Aerial view of a property map with outlined sections, roads, and labels. Includes a smaller inset showing a larger surrounding area map. The main map marks an easement area along Porter Rd, with a red line indicating the boundary. Parcel numbers and road names are visible, with industrial or commercial areas adjacent to wooded land.]()
August 2022
Purchased the neighboring Lozina Properties
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![Aerial view of a natural landscape with a winding path through green trees and a body of water.]()
October 2022
Conservation Easement on Cayuga Creek Restoration Area
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![Snow-covered landscape with a metal railway bridge over a river, bare trees, and tire tracks in the snow.]()
January 2023
Conservation Easement on the Houghton Conservation Area & Upstream Parcels
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![Accredited Land Trust logo with infinity symbol on green background.]()
February 2024
LTA Accreditation
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![Tracy Fletcher]()
October 2024
First Executive Director hired
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![Abandoned grain elevator surrounded by overgrown grass and trees under a blue sky.]()
Anticipated* 2025
Conservation Easement on the City Ship Canal & Concrete Central Peninsula
What is a Land Trust?
A land trust is a nonprofit organization that works to protect land for the benefit of people, wildlife, and future generations.
The Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust (BNRLT) is a community-based land trust with a distinct mission: to acquire, remediate, and steward lands along Western New York’s waterfronts. Unlike most land trusts that focus primarily on farmland or rural areas, BNRLT prioritizes urban and post-industrial waterfront sites—including brownfields left behind by our region’s manufacturing past.
By cleaning and restoring these properties and holding them in trust, BNRLT ensures permanent public access, improved environmental health, and stronger, more connected communities throughout Western New York.
If you know of waterfront land that the BNRLT should look into, please contact us!
Is there a difference between land trust and a land bank?
Yes! A land trust manages land for ensure safe, permanent public access. A land bank is formed in order to hold and manage land for the purpose of selling the land for private development.