Select Board approves conservation restriction on Little River land with DNRT, Buzzards Bay involvement

The Dartmouth Select Board approved a conservation restriction (CR) on a 23-acre parcel along Little River on June 15 after a presentation from Nick Wildman, executive director of the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT).

Wildman told the board the parcel—subdivided so that roughly two-thirds already carry a conservation restriction—abuts other permanently protected land, contains wetlands, sits in a FEMA flood zone, and includes mapped endangered-species habitat. He said DNRT and the Buzzards Bay Coalition coordinated to acquire the land and that DNRT raised cash support from more than 20 neighbors.

"This property is highly subdividable…this is not a place where we as a community, I believe, want people to be building more houses," Wildman said, urging protection because of floodplain, habitat and scenic-road values.

Wildman said DNRT would serve as the grantee, handle annual inspections and enforcement as a certified land trust, and that the conservation restriction fits Dartmouth’s open-space, recreation and conservation goals. He added the coalition currently has no plans for public access but the CR allows for controlled access at the coalition’s discretion if pursued.

Select Board members asked about outreach to abutters and requested a map that overlays the property with other protected lots so the board can visualize remaining unprotected land. The board moved and approved the CR in regular session by oral vote.

The conservation restriction was previously approved by Dartmouth’s Conservation Commission. DNRT said it would provide additional documentation and mapping to the Select Board as requested.