Hancock currently has approximately 7,100 acres designated as conservation land (37% of the town), much of which is under private ownership with a conservation easement restricting specific development. You can view a map of the Town's protected land on Hancock's website here.

A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement by which a landowner restricts the future use of his or her property. The agreement is made between the owner(s) and a qualified conservation organization or municipality, such as the Harris Center, Monadnock Conservancy, or Town of Hancock, which then assumes the responsibility for ensuring that the provisions of the agreement are honored. A conservation easement assures that property will be protected from undesired development, regardless of future ownership.

The current owner and heirs will be able to enjoy their land, much the same way they always have, and may sell, give or transfer the property to a new owner at any time, although the land remains subject to the terms of the easement. Conservation easements are flexible and can be tailored to allow a host of land uses (such as forest management, agriculture, or wildlife sanctuary) and to restrict or allow the public access. There is no minimum land area for an easement, so long as it has meaningful conservation value, and the property owner can choose to protect a portion of their land.

The donation of a conservation easement may help landowners reduce their income and/or estate taxes, and in some cases may reduce property taxes.

Other land conservation options include the donation or bequest of land to the Town or land conservation group. Other landowners may be able to sell the land or an easement on it for less than fair market value and obtain an attractive income tax deduction.

Open space is essential to maintaining the quality of life and rural character of Hancock, as well as providing significant economic benefits. Several studies have concluded that tax revenues on open space typically exceed the costs of municipal services, and consequently help reduce local property taxes. In general, towns with the most development in New Hampshire pay the highest property taxes and towns with the most open space pay the lowest property taxes. (N.H. Business Review, 1998).

If you would like more information on specific conservation parcels and/or options for land protection, please contact Paul Faber at 525.3376 or Bill Elliott at 525.4967.
Open Space Committee

Hancock Happenings, July 2003, with permission