property taxes are starting to get to me. previously, i was never interested in the government property tax programs of chapter 61 - seemed like a series of hassles of find a forester, pay for a plan i don't need or want, fill out forms to get [partially] reimbursed from the state or feds for the expense of the plan, for 61, commit to lumbering my land when all i really want to do is provide for nature and have a nice place to walk... the cumulative effect was enough to keep me out of any programs, and preserve my privacy, which really is very important for me.

but my family financial circumstances have changed, and i am taking another look. it might be worth it for me at this point, depending on the tax savings, and how intrusive it is. so, now my question:

if i enroll land in 61, 61A, or 61B, do i need to allow the public to have access to my land, or can i restrict access? again, privacy really is very important for me.

thanks.

You are not alone. The state's current use programs are meant to help landowners keep their land in their natural state. The trick is finding a program that fits your goals.

The Ch. 61 and 61A programs do NOT require public access and generally offer the biggest tax break, however the development of a forest management plan and active forest management are required.

You can enroll in the Ch. 61B program in one of two categories. The first category is for landowners that want to keep their land in a substantially natural, wild, or open condition. This Ch. 61B designation does NOT require public access. This designation also does NOT require the development of a management plan or active forest management.

The second Ch. 61B designation is for land that is primarily used for recreation. In this designation, the land must be open to the public or members of a non-profit organizations.

For more information about these programs, including on-line calculators that allow you to estimate your taxes under each of the programs, you can visit the "Landowner Programs" page on MassWoods