Chapterland Information

Chapterland Designation

A chapterland designation falls within three categories as follows:
  • MGL Chapter 61 –The forestry program is designed to encourage the preservation of the Commonwealth’s forest
  • MGL Chapter 61A – The agricultural / horticultural is designed to encourage the preservation of the Commonwealth's valuable farmland and promote active agricultural and horticultural use.
  • MGL Chapter 61B – The recreational program is designed to encourage the preservation of the Commonwealth’s open space and promote recreational land uses.

Benefits of the Chapterland Designation

  • Benefits to the town -The town retains and preserves the forest land, family farms and open space within our community.
  • Benefits to the landowner - The landowner receives significant local tax benefits for a long term commitment while maintaining these large open tracts of land

Application Process

The deadline to apply for the upcoming fiscal year is October 1 of the previous year.This Chapterland Application covers all three of these programs.Each application is not considered complete without attaching the Owners Acknowledgment Rights and Obligation statement.Additional information may be required. Please note each program has its own Rights and Obligation Form.

For more information contact the Assessors office at 413-525-5400 extension 1600.