Land Conservation Options

Princeton Land Trust Hall Field property
Princeton Land Trust Hall Field - Iconic Princeton VIew protected

The residents of Princeton are fortunate to be surrounded by such a beautiful setting. We have all been benefactors and beneficiaries of the rural, forested and agricultural nature of the town and the considerable open space.  We are also fortunate to have many generous and perceptive  citizens who took action to contribute to the conservation of parcels of land to help retain the character of the town. One of the goals of the Open Space Committee is to improve public awareness of land conservation options. Working with conservation groups such as the Princeton Land Trust (PLT), Mass Audubon and the Massachusetts Division of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the OSC reviews open space priorities for the town and seeks to find ways to protect lands for the benefit of all Princeton residents.

When considering to protect land, property owners can consider options to protect the land permanently or temporarily, to sell or donate land and to seek tax benefits. There are numerous pathways to achieve the specific goals of property owners. Conservation organizations are also knowledgeable regarding these land protection options and can provide assistance in accomplishing them.

Some of these land conservation options include:

  • Chapter 61, which allows for land to remain undeveloped and used for agricultural, recreational or forestry purposes and provides a tax benefit in return for a temporary agreement to forego development.
  • Conservation Restriction, by which future development rights are sold permanently for a tax benefit and potential estate benefits, while still retaining ownership of the land.
  • Donation of land, which permanently protects the land, provides for long term stewardship and also benefits the landowner through tax deduction.
  • Sale of land to a conservation organization like PLT, DCR or other public conservation entity groups.

Conservation organizations are knowledgeable about these and other land conservation options and are willing to assist landowners in the steps involved. Contact any member of the OSC or Princeton Land Trust for more information about these options for protecting open space in Princeton.