By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would place into state law a current state policy regulation designed to ensure preservation of open space lands protected under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution by ensuring there be no net loss of conservation land when a city, town or the state acquires conservation space and uses it to build on or develop.

The land must be replaced with land of comparable acreage, location, fair market value and natural resource value.

“I am pleased that the Senate has passed this legislation ensuring that all Massachusetts residents have access to public land and a healthy environment,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). “Protecting public land is vitally important, and any loss has a direct impact on those who rely on open space lands. Throughout the COVID-19 shutdowns, public lands became an important part of everyday life for Massachusetts residents looking to exercise, spend socially distanced time with their loved ones and care for their mental and physical health during a time of great stress.”