Monthly Highlight:

Contributed by Paul Catanzaro

Landowners across the state are facing increasing property taxes which can make it difficult to maintain the land as undeveloped.  The State’s current use programs (Ch. 61, 61A, and 61B) offer an opportunity to reduce property taxes in return for providing the public benefits that these lands provide. Chapter 61 has a focus on timber management, and requires a 10-year forest management plan. Chapter 61A is for agricultural lands. Chapter 61 B has been referred to as being for recreational lands.  Historically, participation in these programs has been low and has remained fairly steady over time.