Boynton Lane Acquisition

The Nantucket Land Bank is proud to announce the acquisition of a 0.63-acre property at 17, 19, and 21 Boynton Lane in partnership with Nourish Nantucket. This partnership came together seamlessly, as Nourish Nantucket had already identified the property for its goals. This joint effort tackles two critical island challenges: food insecurity and deer overpopulation. Establishing a venison processing facility on Nantucket ensures MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest Program can thrive locally, aligning our shared mission of reducing the size of the deer herd and feeding the community.

For years, the Land Bank has worked toward establishing on-island meat processing capabilities to support local agriculture. With the growing deer population and heightened local concern, creating a local processing site will help manage herd size while supporting food distribution for residents in need.

A Land Bank managed venison processing facility at Boynton Lane will allow hunters to donate excess venison after meeting their own needs. All donated venison will go to MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest Program, which provides venison to Massachusetts residents facing food insecurity. Additionally, the Land Bank may now apply for a deer damage permit under the agricultural component of its Act. Obtaining this permit from MassWildlife will enable the organization to remove deer from designated properties outside of the traditional hunting season – something previously unauthorized due to the lack of a local processor. On Nantucket, this venison from Hunters Share the Harvest and permitted deer removal will go directly to the Nantucket Food Pantry and Nourish Nantucket, serving our community exclusively.

There is a Tenants in Common Agreement between Nantucket Land Bank and Nourish Nantucket that defines the relationship between the organizations that are mutually using this space –

This acquisition marks a significant milestone toward strengthening the Nantucket Community’s food security. Together, the Land Bank, Nourish Nantucket, and the Nantucket Food Pantry are committed to enhancing local food access, curbing hunger, and conserving the island’s natural resources.