Eric....some words of advice....when you have a nice piece of open space that enhances the area where you live, you and your neighbors should do all you can to preserve it...I don't know how many times we had people come before the city council to protest a development at the last minute....complaining they did not know the land was going to be developed....complaining that the land has been open space forever and a great place to walk the dog, etc....well if it's been right there under your nose for so long and you have done nothing to secure it, don't complain when the landowner decides to do something...
So...talk with him about a conservation easement....maybe with a local land trust....second, farm land is disappearing just as the move to buying local food is taking off...perhaps this land has potential for some local farming? Lastly, 1200 acres is a pretty good size chunk of land...it looks as if it has many resources and could attract lots of "friends".....perhaps those friends could come up with a plan for multi-use that EXCLUDES housing???