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Select Board approves conservation restriction for large Sand Farm Road property pending state notice
Summary
The board voted to approve a conservation restriction for a Sand Farm Road property; staff warned a change in MVP program rules means the town may need to hold the restriction and the board agreed to sign once the state notifies the town, aiming for execution by June 30.
The Stockbridge Select Board on June 18 approved a conservation restriction for a large property on Sand Farm Road (near Cherry Hill Road) and authorized staff to execute the restriction when the state confirms the appropriate holder.
Staff described a lengthy negotiation involving the town, tribal council and other participants and said a change to the state MVP (Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness) program rules allowing tribal nations to accept MVP grants and conservation restrictions could not be backdated to already‑approved projects. Because the project predated the rule change, the town may need to act as the conservation restriction holder. Staff asked the board to approve the restriction and be prepared to sign it by June 30 if the state indicates that is required; the board voted to approve the grant in concept and to sign upon state notice.
Why it matters: the conservation restriction preserves the property’s ecological values and allows the town to meet MVP program requirements, but the holder question affects long‑term stewardship responsibilities.
What’s next: staff will await state direction and will sign and record the restriction if the state instructs the town to proceed by the June 30 timeline.
