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For immediate release
The word is spreading among landowners in Westford.
If you have several acres of land and are trying to decide the best thing to do with
that land, the first call you should make is to the Westford Land Preservation Foundation.
Founded just four years ago, the Foundation works with landowners to explore options
to standard development.
Just last spring, the owners of a 7 acre parcel on Stony Brook a member of the Foundation's
Board of Directors. Working with Christie Williams who also serves on the Board, the
Foundation put the landowners in touch with the town's Conservation Commission. Because
the 7 acres abuts other conservation land along the brook, the Commission agreed to
purchase the land and expand the Stony Brook Greenway.
The landowners were able to realize an economic benefit, while the land was conserved.
In thanking the Foundation for their help, the owners wrote how pleased they were
to be involved in a "win-win situation for all". Of the Foundation they said, "You
have been a tremendous help and we are most appreciative."
Outreach to owners of parcels of 5 acres or more in Westford is ongoing by the Foundation.
Letters and phone calls remind them that the Foundation is available to help answer
their questions.
Some of the queries fielded by the Board of Directors range from "How can I preserve
a small orchard?" to "If I put conservation restrictions on my property can I lower
my property taxes?" to "How would limited development work on my land?" Several copies
of an excellent handbook produced by the Trustees of Reservations, a state-wide non-profit
land conservation organization, have been purchased and distributed to Westford landowners
who have called.
For more information, write the Westford Land Preservation Foundation at PO Box 235,
or contact Christie Williams, President of the Board of Directors, at 692-0107.
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