Town of Westwood Will Not Appeal Court Ruling in Farming Dispute with Westwood Land Trust

Westwood's Select Board on Friday, May 22 announced that the Town of Westwood will not appeal the recent decision issued by the Superior Court this month, in which the court dismissed the town's request to compel Westwood Land Trust to allow a private party to benefit from commercially farming on conservation land located at 665 Clapboardtree Street.

"The Board has heard from residents who hold sincere concerns about this matter, and while many hold differing opinions on the case, a common thread that nearly all carried was a sincere desire to see this matter resolved so Westwood can move forward as one community. The Select Board agrees," reads a statement posted by the Town of Westwood on Facebook on May 22, 2026.

"The Board has decided that it will not appeal the Judge's decision, or seek further litigation of this, while reserving the right to defend itself against new claims brought against the Town," reads the statement. 

The town also invited Westwood Land Trust to likewise cease pursuing litigation over the issue. The statement expresses the town's hopes of renewing a partnership with the land trust to protect "the incredible resources of Westwood."

Thanks to Lynne Viti for contributing reporting to this Westwood Minute article.

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