MassWoods

Many residents are concerned about the future of their communities. The rate of development, loss of rural character, viable agriculture, and scenic beauty of landscapes are all of concern.

Since 75% of our forests are owned by private individuals and families, the fate of our communities rests with these woodland owners. Their parcels are the building blocks of our communities. Landowners provide amenities such as scenery and public benefits like clean water and abundant wildlife that make our towns so special.

Every day decisions are made at the town level that affects these private forests.The UMass Forest Conservation program works to help inform these decisions through our annual Keystone Project training.  Each year we bring 20-25 landowners and community leaders together for a 3-day training program about forest conservation.  Graduates of the program, called Keystone Cooperators, commit to returning to their communities and implementing a project to support forest conservation.  Find a Keystone Cooperator in your community.  See a list of the recent 2011 Keystone Project graduates.

It is critical that municipal officials and residents understand the role that private lands play in providing the community’s character, natural heritage, wood products, clean water, and recreational opportunities. Private landowners are not recognized for the value they add to their communities. Admittedly, it is difficult to quantify these public benefits that flow from private land, but it is critical that communities recognize the complete set of benefits that private forests provide.

It is equally important that people also understand the relationship between community services and open space. Many believe new home construction to be a boon for tax strapped small towns. In reality, towns pay out more in community services than are raised in tax revenue. On the other hand, open space uses less community services, therefore providing the town with net tax gains.

Whether it is a Community Development plan or the assessment of land with a conservation restriction on it, it is important to recognize the critical role private landowners play in maintaining our communities.