PA 490: Preserving Connecticut’s Forest
- crcsaw
- Sep 6
- 3 min read
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Legacy Through Smart Land Classification
In a state where forested landscapes shape not just the scenery but the soul of our communities, Connecticut’s Public Act 490 (PA 490) stands as a quiet champion of conservation. For landowners committed to stewardship, legacy, and ecological integrity, PA 490 offers more than a tax break—it’s a strategic tool to protect what matters.
🌿 What Is PA 490?
Enacted to encourage the preservation of undeveloped land, PA 490 provides a use-value assessment for properties classified as forest, farm, open space, or maritime heritage. Instead of taxing land based on its market value (which often reflects development potential), PA 490 allows land to be taxed based on its current use—making it financially viable for owners to keep land wild, working, or wisely managed.
For forest landowners, this means lower property taxes and a powerful incentive to maintain tree-covered acreage rather than sell or subdivide.
🧭 Why It Matters
Undeveloped land costs communities less in services and infrastructure than residential or commercial development. Forests, in particular, contribute to clean air, water retention, wildlife habitat, and the scenic beauty that defines Connecticut’s quality of life. PA 490 recognizes this value and helps ensure these lands aren’t lost to short-term pressures.
📋 How to Classify Your Land as Forest Land
If you own 25 acres or more of wooded land and want to classify it under PA 490, here’s what you need:
Application to your local tax assessor
Qualified Forester’s Report (QFR) prepared by a certified forester
The QFR determines whether your land meets the forest stocking, distribution, and condition standards set by the State Forester. Only foresters trained and certified under PA 490 guidelines can submit this report—look for the “490” designation in the state’s directory of forest practitioners.
🧩 What Qualifies as Forest Land?
According to Connecticut General Statutes §12-107b, forest land must:
Be 25 acres or more, either as one contiguous tract or multiple tracts (each at least 10 acres)
Bear tree growth that meets the State Forester’s standards
Include land contiguous to already-classified forest land owned by the same person
💰 The Value of Forest Land Under PA 490
As of October 1, 2020, the recommended use-value for forest land under PA 490 is $390/acre—a significant increase from previous years:
Year | Recommended Value per Acre |
2005 | $190 |
2010 | $130 |
2015 | $240 |
2020 | $390 |
This valuation helps landowners retain large tracts of forest without bearing the full tax burden of their market value.
📊 PA 490 by the Numbers (as of April 2025)
With 80% of Connecticut towns reporting:
Classification | Acres | Parcels |
Forest | 437,900 | 9,743 |
Farm | 231,517 | 11,134 |
Open Space | 144,014 | 10,600 |
10 Mill | 6,746 | 78 |
Total | 820,177 | 31,555 |
Forest land leads the way—proof that stewardship is alive and well in the Nutmeg State.
🌱 Final Thoughts: Stewardship Is Strategy
PA 490 isn’t just a policy—it’s a philosophy. It affirms that land has value beyond development, and that legacy-minded landowners deserve support in protecting Connecticut’s natural heritage. Whether you’re a forester, farmer, or family steward, PA 490 offers a path to preserve your land, your values, and your vision.
If you’re ready to classify your land or want help navigating the process, I’d be happy to help you build a guide, workbook, or onboarding asset tailored to your audience. Just say the word.
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