Farmland Lost in the Town of Duxbury, Massachusetts

        I.            This study is being done in order to see how much farmland is being lost due to various reasons in the town of Duxbury, Massachusetts. By looking at the amount of different types of potential farmland in the town and the amount of those farms that have been lost we can see patterns and trends to help us try and save this crucial land. This study is important because farmland is important for food production and are important to the biodiversity of the surrounding environment. We will be looking at impervious surfaces such as roads and parking lots that are causing loss of this farmland. Farmland is a resource that needs to be preserved for future generations to be able to flourish. Tables 1 & 2 show total amount of farmland and farmland lost, respectively. Figure 3 is a map showing actual spots where farmland has been lost due to development of roads, parking lots and other impervious surfaces.    

Overall, 1,349,900 km squared of farmland has been lost due to development in Duxbury. While this study took impervious features into account, I think it could be taken one step further by adding information about exactly what kind of impervious features are causing the loss of farmland. By navigating around this precious farmland I am sure there is a way to continue necessary development while preserving the farmland that is so important to the town of Duxbury and the surrounding towns as well.