How Well Do Purchase of Development Rights Programs Contribute to Park and Open-Space Goals in the U.S.?

In the United States, momentum for purchase of development rights (PDRs) programs is accelerating and they now exist in 20 of the 50 states. Their primary constituents are agricultural interests, and conservation and open space advocates. The 20 states’ statutes were reviewed and telephone interviews conducted with officials in each of the states who were responsible for implementing the legislation.