Protecting Conservation Land Under Article 97

Author: Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs; Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services

Last Reviewed by MLTC: 01/07/2026.

Resources explaining how conservation and recreation land is protected under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution and how those protections are maintained over time. 

Documents:

  1. Article 97: An Act Preserving Open Space in the Commonwealth (Commonwealth of Massachusetts)
    Overview of Article 97 and An Act Preserving Open Space in the Commonwealth (i.e. “the Open Space Act”, formerly known as the Public Lands Protection Act or PLPA) including how they can be applied,  alternatives analysis, replacement land standards, and submission requirements. Webpage offers additional resources as guidance for implementation and frequently asked questions documents.

    Resource: Mass.gov

  2. Protecting Article 97 Land (Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services, March 2006)
    Guidance for municipalities on how Article 97 protection is secured through deeds, town meeting votes, and recording practices, and how gaps in documentation can leave conservation land vulnerable to conversion. Removing Land from Legal Protection under Article 97 section is outdated. Please use the website above for information relating to that topic. 

    Resource: protectart97landprotocol.pdf