A recent American Farmland Trust (AFT) survey shows that privately owned farm, ranch and forest lands boost community coffers by contributing more in tax revenues than they require back in public service.
In an evaluation of 83 studies conducted in 19 states, residential development generates, on average, significant tax revenue. But it requires costly public services that surpass its tax contributions. In contrast, farm, ranch and forest lands consistently generate tax surpluses.
The report, Cost of Community Services Studies; Making the Case for Land Conservation, costs $16.95. Call 800-370-4879. An order form is available at www.farmland.org.