In this episode of Small Town Big Racing in Massachusetts, we’re joined by Ellen Anderson, a resident of Petersham and a local Real Estate Appraiser specializing in Land Preservation.

Ellen taps into her experience working with the APR Program here in Massachusetts as we discuss Article 97, the Massachusetts constitutional amendment that is meant to protect our right to a clean environment and authorize the Commonwealth to acquire conservation easements.

This episode discusses the importance of land conservation in relation to the Commonwealth Equine and Agriculture Center’s proposal, how APR restrictions should be protecting this land, and highlights concerns regarding the precedent this could set should the development of this property be approved.

Related Resources and Links:

The draft HCA is available here

Slide show about APR's from MA Dept. of Agriculture Resources

The Great Meadowbrook Farm Landvest Listing (includes original APR document)

Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program Details (Contact information for APR Staff is included here)

How is Land Protected (Mass.gov)

Article 97: Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (via Farmland Information Center)