"The Town of Truro, located on the Outer Cape, purchased the Duarte property (pictured here), which abuts the Pamet River. It covers 1.37 acres and has potential recreational uses such as a launching site for canoes and kayaks. The property has key aesthetic values that complement the town-owned lands and conservation lands that surround it. By preserving green space, this property was instrumental in keeping the rural setting of downtown Truro.
John Snow, former chair of the Truro Land Bank Committee and member of the Conservation Trust, Board of Selectmen, and Planning Board, spoke about the criteria and general reasoning behind the purchase of these open space properties:
"The town has a six-step selection process it goes through before purchasing open space parcels: the potential for recreational use; preservation of the greenbelt around Route 6; reduce population density; preserve rural character; protect species and habitat; and the potential for a municipal well field. The properties do not need to meet all the criteria, but in a perfect world these would be the ideal examples of open space parcels."
When asked what he would recommend to other towns or cities interested in preserving open space, Mr. Snow said, "Come up with criteria you can follow regarding the key attributes you are looking for in your search for open space parcels. This will allow you to decide which properties may be the most beneficial to the community. Work with only friendly sellers, never apply any pressure to them. You will find that most landowners who are willing to sell would rather see their properties remain as open space than be developed. Most important of all is to bring selectmen, other town officials, and the public onboard. Keep them educated as to what the Land Bank is doing and what they are receiving for their monies."
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