The Open Space Taxation Act, enacted in 1970, allows property owners to have their open space, farm and agricultural, and designated forest lands valued at the lands productive capacity rather than the highest and best use.

The Act states that it is in the best interest of the state to maintain, preserve, conserve, and otherwise continue in existence adequate open space lands for the production of food, fiber, and forest crops and to assure the use and enjoyment of natural resources and scenic beauty for the economic and social well-being of the state and its citizens.

Classifications

The statute provides three classifications:

• Open space land
• Farm and agricultural land
• Designated Forest Land