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We understand that land protection is often a component of a much larger vision to retain the character and ecological integrity of a place for both people and other living things.

Every conserved parcel has intrinsic values that can stretch far beyond its border. When pieced together, contiguous blocks of protected land serve as important corridors for migratory species, provide linkages through long-distance trail networks, preserve regionally significant scenic landscapes, and provide ecosystem services such as clean air and water. Protected land also contributes to the local economy.

Providing a complete range of assistance with Conservation Restrictions and in-fee title transactions, from the initial negotiations to the closing, including coordination of multiple partners, Baseline Document Reports, funding arrangements, and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.

Helping landowners work with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to complete APR applications, assemble supporting material, obtain funding assistance, and make the case for approval to local town boards and committees, and the state Agricultural Lands Preservation Committee.

Assisting land trusts and municipalities with a wide variety of services including helping set acquisition and protection priorities, identifying possible funding sources, completing land management plans, assisting in complying with applicable laws and regulations, monitoring properties, inventorying birds, wildlife, flora, and other natural resources, and volunteer stewardship coordination and training.

Our work includes the preparation of municipal Open Space and Recreation Plans that provide meaningful long-range planning for land protection and management, and meet state requirements.

Completing full Baseline Document Reports and carrying out property inspection and monitoring to determine initial conditions and changes or violations in property protected by conservation ownership, Conservation Restriction, or Agricultural Preservation Restriction.

Many land trusts have a backlog of conservation projects that they do not have the staff capacity to get to.  A landowner may seek an amendment to their CR and needs someone to look out for their interests.  Conservation Works can step in at any point in a conservation transaction to assist either the land trust or the landowner in achieving mutual conservation goals.

From initial Assessing Your Organization to final approvals, we will assist your organization with achieving accreditation and renewals, including preparing baseline reports, drafting policies and template transaction documents

Helping towns adopt appropriate open space zoning including open space protection or environmental resource overlay districts.

Assist towns in the implementation of the CPA, including determining initial land protection priorities, coordination of CPA Committees, and providing assistance with subsequent land protection transactions. For towns that have not yet adopted the CPA, Conservation Works can assist with the process of obtaining local Town Meeting and referendum approval.

Prepare applications to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for property owners seeking the Massachusetts Conservation Land Tax Credit for the donation or bargain sale of conservation land. Assistance includes facilitating all aspects of the land transaction including documentation of natural resource value(s), property appraisals, closings, and communications with tax specialists and attorneys.

We provide guidance, strategies, recommendations and project management that define the specific tasks and phases needed within a project to achieve the ultimate vision. This includes identifying appropriate grants and other funding sources for the various phases of a project, from planning through implementation and long-term stewardship.

Identification of historically significant buildings and landscapes, preparation of historic preservation restrictions

We’re here to make conservation work for you!

Conservation in action...

Baseline Reports in Seekonk, MA

Baseline Documentation Reports

Baseline reports for eleven properties in Seekonk, MA.

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Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Project

Guiding the Town of Deerfield through a climate change planning process

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ADA Assessment of city parks in Chicopee, Massachusetts

Urban Open Space & Recreation Plan

Conducted public outreach to inform goals and action plan for next seven years, and ADA assessment of 29 city parks.

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Land Trust Alliance Re-accreditation Process

Land trust stewardship assistance on over 60 properties.

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Scenic Byway Trail Easements

Securing connections within a regional trail network.

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