Resources

On this page, you can access recordings and resources from past Open Space Network events, view the Open Space Handbook, and find additional information related to open space planning.

Resources from Open Space Network Events

  • 2023 Massachusetts Open Space Conference

    A free, four-part webinar series held in February 2023. The conference aimed to provide helpful advice and resources, connect peers across the state, and highlight the efforts of Open Space Committees and volunteers in protecting their community’s open space. Topics included Open Space and Recreation Plans, landowner outreach, Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grants, and BioMap.

    Resources & Recordings

  • Economic Benefits of Open Space to Massachusetts Communities Webinar

    This webinar held in November 2022 highlighted a free toolkit from MassLand that can be utilized to help communicate the benefits of open space and land conservation.

    Resources & Recording

  • MassMapper Training

    In 2022, the Open Space Network held a MassMapper training for members of Open Space Committees and other volunteers to learn how to utilize this free mapping tool from MassGIS.

    Resources

Featured Publication

Open Space Handbook

This guide is targeted towards Open Space Committee and other volunteers working on conservation in their local communities. It covers land protection tools, finding funding, stewarding conserved lands, and planning for conservation in your town - all from a community volunteer perspective.

Additional Resources

  • Community Preservation Act:

    The CPA helps communities preserve open space and historic sites, create affordable housing, and develop outdoor recreational facilities. The CPA is funded through a local option surcharge on property tax bills and a state match or those surcharges. For more information, see the Community Preservation Coalition: https://www.communitypreservation.org/

    Cost of Community Services:

    Land protection and conservation have impacts beyond those directly involved with the conservation and it is important for communities to better understand how conservation and land protection impact things like taxes and town finances, economic growth and sustainability, and community health. See the following resources for more information: https://masswoods.org/communityconservation

  • Chapter 61 Current Use Tax Programs:

    The three Chapter 61 programs assess land at its current use (forest, agriculture, open space/recreation) as opposed to its development value and provides tax breaks if enrolled. For more information: https://masswoods.org/landowner-programs/chapter-61-current-use-tax-programs

    Town’s Right of First Refusal:

    Landowners entering one of the Chapter 61 programs agree to maintain the use of the land in a way consistent with their chosen program. However, if a landowner wants to sell their land or change its use a town may exercise their right of first refusal to buy the land or may transfer the right of first refusal to an eligible conservation organization. For more information: https://masswoods.org/landowner-programs/chapter-61-current-use-tax-programs

  • Landscape Partnership Grant Program:

    The Landscape Partnership grant program aims to protect larger areas of conservation land. Towns with less than 6,000 residents may also use this grant to build a park or playground. Applications must be jointly submitted by at least two of the following groups: municipality, non-municipal public water supplier, 501(c)(3) non-profit, government agency. For more information: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/landscape-partnership-grant-program

    LAND Grant Program:

    The Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) grant program helps municipalities acquire conservation and recreation land by reimbursement for acquisition in fee or conservation restrictions. For more information: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/local-acquisitions-for-natural-diversity-land-grant-program