Partnering with Land Trusts:

How Land Trusts Can Help CPCs Protect Open Spaces

The Trust for Public LandCPA Conference March 1, 2003

The Trust for Public Landconserves land for people to improve the quality of life in our communities

and to protect our natural and historic resources for future generations

Walden WoodsWalden Woods

Working with Land Trusts on Acquisitions

• Timing transactions• Negotiating with landowners• Managing complex large-scale

projects• Making use of easements • Building public support• Finding & leveraging funds (private

and public)

• 135-acre property adjacent to 2,000 acres

• Wetlands & 24 vernal pools provide habitat for rare wildlife

• Connects to extensive trail system, including the 200-mile Bay Circuit Trail

Sawyer-Richardson Property, Boxford: Priority Site

© David Low

• Town, BTA-BOLT, Greenbelt, TPL enter partnership

• March 2002: TPL reaches agreement with developer gives Town 3 months to close

• $4.75 million raised to permanently protect property (renamed “Wunnegan Conservation Area”)

Sawyer-Richardson Property:Critical Timing & Funding Issues

State - DEM - EOEA stateside LWCF

$1,000,000 250,000

Private - BTA/BOLT - Essex County Greenbelt

240,000100,000

Town - CPA & other

3,160,000

Purchase Price $4,750,000

Sawyer-Richardson Property:Sources of Funds

Leverage: CPA funds account for 66% of funding

• 35-acre property with 500+ feet lake frontage

• Lake provides town’s sole source of drinking water

• Passive recreation and scenic views

Half-Mile Hill Property, North Andover: Priority Site

• Town asks TPL to help protect open space priority

• Early 2002: TPL negotiates agreement with family trust

• TPL and CPC build public support to protect the property by June 2002.

Half-Mile Hill, North Andover Critical Timing & Funding Issues

© John Bellenis, Courtesy of LandVest, Inc.

Half-Mile Hill:Sources of Funds

State - EOEA Self-Help $250,000

Private 150,000

Town - CPA 2,250,000

Purchase Price $2,650,000

Leverage: CPA funds account for 85% of funding

• Timing: act quickly to protect open spaces

• Providing real estate expertise: negotiations, complex transactions

• Building public support: press, mailings, events for TM campaign

• Leveraging CPA funds

Working with Land Trusts:Summary

Contact: Carol HallPhone: 617-367-6200

x328Fax: 617-367-1616Website: www.tpl.org