A Conservation Restriction is a legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization that permanently, or for a stated period, limits specified uses and development of the property to protect its natural and scenic features. Land Conservation Options (2001, pg. 31)

159 Sesuit Neck Road: Granted by William H. Crowell and Ruth S. Crowell in December 2002. The Crowells decided to place a permanent conservation restriction on 22 acres of their property. This beautiful parcel in East Dennis is a combination of pine and oak woods, salt marsh, open field, freshwater bog and a brackish marsh. Within the CR, permission has been granted to periodically mow the open field, which will maintain this habitat type and create edges that can attract wildlife and promote biodiversity.

26 Scargo Hill Road: Granted by Scott Collins, Susan Scott Porter and Harry K. Cross, Jr. to DCT in December 2003. These three families had been exploring ways with the Trust to lessen the impact of development on Scargo Lake, while still realizing some financial return. The Trust’s pro bono counsel, Hale and Dorr, LLP, assisted with an analysis of various development alternatives, which led the family to donate the CR on 11.3 acres. The parcel, which borders Scargo Lake, creates a wildlife corridor between the upland and lake, and includes a disappearing habitat type, Atlantic White Cedar/Tupelo. This mature forest provides nesting and foraging opportunities for migrating and resident bird species.

Let us know . . . If you have land or know of land in Dennis that is (or may be) for sale – any size, buildable or unbuildable, please contact us. The Trust can offer expert advice and will draw up deeds or easements precisely to the donor’s wishes. Contact Carole Bell at (508) 385-2175.