The Town of Lakeville Open Space Committee reported on Sept. 4 that it launched a land‑conservation outreach effort that included 224 targeted mailings to landowners owning 5 acres or more.

Chair David Zalonis and committee members said the mailings highlighted Chapter 61 enrollment options, provided MassWoods and DCR (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) informational pamphlets, and included posters at the town hall, library and senior center. The committee said about 110–120 of the mailed properties had more than 10 acres.

The outreach package includes printed materials from the MassWoods/UMass Extension program — the committee said it obtained roughly 50 copies each of two pamphlets and distributed additional copies to the town hall and library. Members said they also prepared an informational posting for the town newsletter and would monitor an open‑space email address for inquiries.

The committee highlighted two upcoming opportunities for landowners and committee members: the Massachusetts Town Forest Conference on Saturday, Oct. 4 (a full‑day program with a 9:30 a.m. start, hosted in Middleborough, including three tour options) and a Wildlands Trust webinar on land trust practice scheduled for Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Committee materials provided registration guidance and a contact for a DCR service forester (Jim Rassman) for free consultations.

Committee members thanked town staff — including Tracy, Colleen, Emily and Lillian — for preparing and assembling the mailings and handouts. The committee said it will monitor responses, respond to incoming questions and partner with Wildlands Trust, MassWoods and DCR for technical assistance as needed.

The committee expects to continue outreach through October and to report any substantive responses at upcoming meetings.