Onboarding Guide to MA Chapters 61 & 61A
- crcsaw
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
šæ Your Land, Your Legacy: Onboarding Guide to MA Chapters 61 & 61A
š§ Why This Matters
Your land holds more than trees or soilāit holds legacy, stewardship, and potential. Massachusetts Chapters 61 and 61A offer powerful tools to:
Reduce your property taxes
Preserve your landās character
Support forestry, farming, and conservation
Protect your land from unwanted development
š Program Snapshot
Program | Chapter 61 (Forestry) | Chapter 61A (Agriculture & Horticulture) |
Purpose | Sustainably manage forestland | Support active farming/horticulture |
Minimum Acres | 10 acres | 5 acres |
Income Needed | None | $500+ annually from ag/hort sales |
Plan Required | Forest Management Plan (10 yrs) | No formal plan required |
Tax Benefit | Assessed at timber value | Assessed at agricultural value |
Town Rights | Right of first refusal if sold | Same |
Penalties | If withdrawn or developed | Same |
š ļø How to Enroll
Step 1: Assess Your Land Use
Is your land actively used for forestry or agriculture?
Do you meet the acreage and income thresholds?
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Chapter 61: Forest Management Plan by a licensed forester
Chapter 61A: Proof of agricultural income (e.g., sales receipts, Schedule F)
Step 3: Apply Locally
Submit your application to the town assessor by October 1Ā for the next tax year.
Include maps, plans, and supporting documents.
Step 4: Stay Compliant
Maintain land use and acreage.
Renew plans and update income records as needed.
š± Stewardship in Action
āThese programs arenāt just about saving moneyātheyāre about saving what matters. Forests that breathe. Fields that feed. Legacies that last.ā
š§© Which Path Fits You?
You Are... | Consider... |
A forest landowner with 10+ acres | ā Chapter 61 |
A farmer or grower with 5+ acres | ā Chapter 61A |
A mixed-use steward (agroforestry) | ā Possibly both |
Planning to sell or develop | ā ļø Understand penalties and town rights |
ŲŖŲ¹ŁŁŁŲ§ŲŖ