For decades, a favorite vista for many Carlisle residents has been the sight of Jack and Betty Valentine’s cows grazing in the pasture at the corner of Acton and West Streets. Thanks to the Valentines’ generosity - and with the help of a conservation restriction - this vista will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
While Carlisle is no longer the predominantly agricultural community it once was, many residents remain passionately attached to the land. The fields, forests, ponds and brooks host a diverse collection of plants, birds and animals that also nourish our spirits. But the balance of human activity alongside the natural environment in Carlisle is a fragile one. The pressure for continued development is strong today and will continue. Fortunately, local landowners such as the Valentines can work with the Carlisle Conservation Foundation (CCF) to both preserve their land and meet their financial or estate planning needs.
This year, both the Valentine and Rundlett families generously offered to place conservation restrictions on their properties. Both provide vital links in the conservation corridor along the west side of Carlisle.
A conservation restriction or “CR” is a means sanctioned by state law to limit the use of land ~ in order to protect specified conservation values, ~ including the natural, scenic or open condition ~ of the land. Since 1973, almost 500 acres in Carlisle have been permanently protected by conservation restrictions.
In a typical CR, the landowner retains ownership interest in the land, while accepting certain development restrictions to protect conservation values associated with that parcel. The landowner typically provides these restrictions in the form of a charitable gift in favor of the town or a qualified conservation organization such as the Carlisle Conservation Foundation. The restrictions may diminish the market value of the land, so the gift may qualify as a charitable donation for federal income tax purposes and help with estate planning.
David and Kristy Erickson chose a different but equally effective route: an outright gift of land to the Carlisle Conservation Foundation.
The Erickson gift, made in connection with a plan to partially develop adjacent lots, enabled them to realize the economic value of their land while also meeting their interests in promoting conservation.
However landowners choose to conserve their property, CCF is prepared to help: by providing guidance and advice through the CR or gift process; by introducing, where appropriate, other state and federal resources; and when needed, providing matching funds to help defray surveying or legal costs.
For further information about CRs, please contact any member of the CCF Board.