Town of Falmouth: Ballymeade Property

In the Town of Falmouth, the purchase of lands for open space is "old hat." The 300 Committee was established by the town for the purpose of conservation as well as other pressing environmental issues that threaten this seaside town. Falmouth's Land Bank Committee, which exists inside The 300 Committee, has purchased 555 acres since 1999.

Pat Dwyer, the assistant administrator for the Land Bank Committee, was involved in many other municipal activities before her move to the Land Bank Committee. Her interests in preserving the remaining land in the Town of Falmouth are evident. Pat cites the "Ballymeade property" as the most interesting property purchased with Land Bank funds.

The Ballymeade property was the largest remaining parcel of undeveloped land available in the Town of Falmouth. The property, along Route 28, was scheduled to be developed with a plan that included 65 new homes. Running along the tip of the moraine, this 144-acre piece of property was the keystone in completing the town-owned Moraine Trail. The town went into negotiations with the landowner and a deal was struck. The 144-acre keystone parcel was set into place and its wooded landscape, scenic views, and two vernal pools made an excellent complement to the abutting town lands.

Ms. Dwyer's biggest surprise during her tenure with The 300 Committee was how supportive the town and its voters are toward land acquisition. Her words of wisdom were clear and concise: "Act now! It's not going to be there much longer."

Ms. Dwyer's words are ones that are being acted upon Capewide. With the threat of development and decrease in available open space, Falmouth's accomplishments so far have set an example that other towns will follow to preserve what's left.