[Lazamataz]

The best way to preserve open space is for towns and states and counties to agree to NOT ASSESS PROPERTY TAX on ANY UNDEVELOPED PROPERTY.

It is the taxation of undeveloped property that forces people to break land into parcels and sell it.

[B Knotts]

Bingo. I was just going to say the same thing. If they really want to keep land undeveloped, they wouldn't tax undeveloped land.

It sounds to me like what they're really after is more gov't ownership of land.

[1Old Pro]

We have "conservation easements" for owners of I believe 10 or more acres. They get substantial reduction in rates, which in effect are a tax on others to make up the balance, in exchange for not developing their land. Many people are hesitant to do this because they want to keep their options open, but it does seem to have the effect you suggest.

[Kay Ludlow]

The best way to preserve open space is for towns and states and counties to agree to NOT ASSESS PROPERTY TAX on ANY UNDEVELOPED PROPERTY.

It is the taxation of undeveloped property that forces people to break land into parcels and sell it.

This is so true. I have a neighbor, who lived and farmed on his parents farm most of his life. Being in his 70's now, with no children to farm for him and little retirement income to pay the property taxes, he had to sell. While he sold his farm for a cool million and will live out his days in comfort, he really wanted to stay home on the farm. Taxes forced him to sell.