Support Mount Grace Give Now!   2009 Annual Report Available See PDF on our News Page For information about New Salem’s West Hill Project click here Click here for the text of Dan Leahy’s speech on conservation from the twenty-third annual meeting.

Welcome to the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust 1461 Old Keene Road, Athol, MA 01331 Ph 978-248-2043 • Fax 978-248-2053 [directions] Click here for more information about Gale Farm Chapter 61 Handbook click here to download Massachusetts Chapter 61 laws reduce property taxes on farmland, forest, or open space in exchange for a commitment from the landowner to keep the land undeveloped. While Chapter 61 does not in itself permanently protect land, it maintains open space and is often a first step towards more permanent conservation. Mount Grace’s latest publication, Conservation and Land Use Planning under Massachusetts Chapter 61 Laws, summarizes the various classifications of Chapter 61 and outlines steps to evaluate and exercise right-of-first-refusal opportunities. The handbook, written by legal intern Stacey Francese and Partnership Coordinator Jay Rasku, is updated to incorporate recent amendments to the laws. The 52-page handbook is intended as a guide for conservation organizations and municipalities interested in protecting and managing land using the provisions of Chapter 61. The Handbook can be downloaded for free. Hard copies can be ordered from Mount Grace on the Merchandise page. Frank and Ken Girouard speak about land protection [click here] View the video from the twenty-first Annual Meeting

Our Mission
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust protects significant natural, agricultural, and scenic areas and encourages land stewardship in North Central and Western Massachusetts for the benefit of the environment, the economy and future generations.

The Immediate Threat

© Eric Poggenpohl

Development pressures are unprecedented. It is imperative to protect land while there is still a chance to do so. The next 5 to 10 years may determine the long-term character of our region. We have a great responsibility to guard against ecological and scenic decline.

Conservation Options
The following options may have significant tax benefits:

• Conservation Restriction (CR)
  A CR is a legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization whereby the landowner retains ownership, but gives up the right to develop the land. CRs are permanent and remain in effect when the land is sold or inherited.
   
• Gift of Land
  A landowner’s gift of property to the land trust is protected and managed in accordance with the donor’s wishes.
   
• Sale of Land
  The land trust may purchase land with important natural resource values, or which is threatened by development, and protect it.
   
• Retained Life Estate
  Landowners may donate property to the land trust but retain a life interest for themselves and their family. This allows them to live on or use the land for their lifetime.
   
• Limited Development
  The land trust works with the landowner to design a limited development scenario whereby environmentally sensitive land is protected as open space, while well-planned development in the remaining area allows the owner to realize income.
   
• Bequest
  A gift of land through a person’s will removes the property from the donor’s taxable estate.

Serving 23 Towns in North Central and Western Massachusetts

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