All of the projects involved gift conservation and/or agricultural restrictions, in which landowners donated the development rights to their parcels. They retain ownership of the property, but agree to protect the land by leaving the land undeveloped.

   "I'm so pleased to say that we've had our best year ever, protecting 2,808 acres," said FLT Executive Director Richard Hubbard. "This work wouldn't be possible without the landowners, who so deeply love their land and want to see it protected forever."

   The land protected includes orchards, hayfields, woodland and wetlands. In addition to preserving wildlife habitat and water resources, the restrictions will help maintain the rural character of the towns where they are located. One project, 300 acres on Williamsburg Road in Ashfield, consists of woodland and wetlands that are home to a variety of wildlife. The property abuts the South River and also has frontage along Conway and Williamsburg roads.                                  

   Another large project is a 191-acre property on Broad Hill and Pratt Corner roads in Leverett. The land is located in the watershed for the Town of Amherst's public drinking water supply. It has an extensive trail system that the owners hope to promote as a public resource.

   Land protected includes 782 acres in Ashfield; 337 acres in Leverett, 7 acres in Conway, 236 acres in Shelburne, 210 acres in Colrain, and 7 acres in Erving.

   In 2007, the Franklin Land Trust completed 30 projects, protecting a total of 2,808 acres in 13 area towns. In the past 20 years, the Land Trust has protected more than 15,000 acres in the region.