Municipal Land Protection Programs
Some Heritage Corridor communities have open space protection funds in their town budgets. These funds are typically administered by a Conservation Commission or Open Space Acquisition Commission, which makes recommendations to the Board of Selectmen and/or town meeting on its use. Contact your Town Clerk or Conservation Commission Chairman to learn whether your community has such a fund.
When a town has insufficient funds to pay full price for a conservation restriction on land it wishes to protect, a "bargain sale" can sometimes be negotiated. Under this option, you as the landowner receive some cash, but less than full value, for the property. The difference between the full value and what you do receive can be considered a "charitable contribution" and may qualify you for significant income tax deductions. See our Land Protection and Estate Planning Information Sheets for more information.
Even if your town has no open space fund, it may still be able to provide you with assistance in developing your family lands protection plan. They can help direct you to information on land protection tools, and/or other sources of potential funding. Contact your Conservation Commission Chairman for more information. |
