I live in a small town in western Massachusetts, I own forested land that is chaptered 61/61a and 61b. We are in a 10 year program with our State Forester and also in a 3 year program with the NRCS. Does MGL #128 - Chapter 40a, section 3 protect us from zoning and building code ordinances? We run an educational nonprofit dedicated to hands on research & study, of earth sciences and sustainability. We built a platform for a gravity fed zip line to cross the river, for workers, equipment, and anyone who cannot traverse crossing on two logs. This line is professionally installed and maintained by a professional rigger. But we were ripped up by the town manager and building inspector saying we were in violation of zoning laws even though we have over 30 acres of chaptered land. How can we sell our products, and make our $500 per year, if we can't cross the river to harvest. What is the deal with this provision?
Welcome wife#2.
2 words.....Farm Bureau. If your not a member it's in your best interests to join. The help you will get far! outweighs the dues. If they don't have the answer they'll get it for you.
Not all but many town officials suffer from a huge dose of narcism. It doesn't help any either that you live in NYC North. Good luck!!
They want to control your land and control what you want to do with your land.
There is one of the ten commandments "thou shalt not covet thy neighbor" and it is a good one that many don't realize when they do. IMO has to do with being jealous of what you have, and they don't.
Have no input to your post, but I will say welcome to the Forestry Forum. :)
Are you exempt? No, your at the mercy of the planning board,zoning board and the conservation commission. Best to start over and say "ok what do I have to do to have the bridge". Our state is a pain with regs. what ever you do there's a someone to complain. Start with the con-com and get a determination of applicability.
Thank you for your responses! And thanks for the two words of wisdom "farm bureau", going to check them out right now!
Quote from: beenthere on June 12, 2014, 05:43:26 PM
They want to control your land and control what you want to do with your land.
There is one of the ten commandments "thou shalt not covet thy neighbor" and it is a good one that many don't realize when they do. IMO has to do with being jealous of what you have, and they don't.
Yup control and jealous you hit the nail on the head on both counts.
Farm Bureau your best friend