A Methodology for Valuing Town Conservation Land

This paper presents a methodology for rating existing or potential conservation land according to ten criteria weighted to reflect the needs of the local community in which the land is located. The ratings may be used to determine priority for public acquisition. The methodology may also be used to establish a dollar “replacement value” for an existing parcel of conservation land, reflecting both its market value as well as its value for other public interests such as conservation, recreation, views, or resource protection. The replacement value may be used as a starting point in negotiations for compensation in the event that the parcel is removed from conservation land status through eminent domain or other mechanism.