Court Supports CR Terms

The conservation community in Massachusetts got a big boost during 2024, when the Massachusetts Land Court sided with SVT in a dispute with the landowners at our Baiting Brook Meadow Farm Conservation Restriction (CR) in Framingham.

In June, the Land Court agreed that the landowners (known as Iron Horse) violated the terms of the CR when they constructed an equestrian riding ring primarily in a no-structure zone, which significantly damaged wetlands and two streams. The Court instructed the landowners to remove the structure from the no-structure zone, restore the damaged areas, and pay a portion of SVT’s attorney fees. The restoration plan was approved in agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Framingham Conservation Commission. 

Late in the year, Iron Horse dropped an appeal it had filed and has agreed to the terms of the decision. The landowners have been removing the ring from the no-structure zone, reconstructing a new ring in an allowed location, and restoring the damaged land. 

This court decision affirmed the importance of CRs as a conservation tool and demonstrated that the Massachusetts courts will enforce them. SVT thanks the legal team at Beveridge & Diamond for providing incredible pro bono support that helped us defend the CR and find a resolution agreeable to all parties.