Resource Library
Land conservation isn’t just about protecting nature—it brings economic, environmental, and community benefits that enhance quality of life. The resources compiled below outline the many ways open space contributes to clean water, climate resilience, recreation, public health, and local economies. Whether you’re advocating for conservation funding, engaging your community, or strengthening your land trust’s messaging, these resources provide compelling facts and insights to support your efforts.
CLCC Publications:
Other Resources:
“Does Conservation Raise Taxes?” – Research Summary: “Our research assessed the impacts of new land protection on local property tax rates in more than 1400 municipalities in New England between 1990 and 2015. Average impacts on tax rates were small: the average area of new protection of 85 acres was associated with an increase in a homeowner’s annual tax bill of $0.72 per $100,000 of property value…”. Research by Alexey Kalinin, Katharine Sims, Spencer R. Meyer, and Jonathan R. Thompson, 2022
Cost of Community Service Studies – Farmland Information Center: “Cost of Community Services (COCS) studies are a case study approach used to determine the fiscal contribution of existing local land uses. COCS studies conducted over the last 30 years show working lands generate more public revenues than they receive back in public services. Their impact on community coffers is similar to that of other commercial and industrial land uses. On average, because residential land uses do not cover their costs, they must be subsidized by other community land uses…”
Why Protect Open Space – New Canaan Land Trust: Land Trusts often struggle to communicate the many benefits provided by open space and land conservation. This example, courtesy of the New Canaan Land Trust, showcases how land trusts can incorporate this messaging into their websites and other communications.