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Permanent Conservation Easement Protects Farm in Greenville Orange County, NY — December 29, 2007 The Orange County Land Trust announced today that in partnership with Orange County, almost 90 additional acres of working farmland has been protected under the county's open space program, this time in the Town of Greenville. Keith Stewart and Flavia Bacarella, owners of Keith's Farm, an organic produce farm, were awarded $262,500 in county funds for the purchase of the development rights to their 88.5-acre farm. A permanent conservation easement will be placed on the farm, which will be managed and monitored by the Orange County Land Trust in perpetuity. The conservation easement allows the owners to continue to farm the land and utilize it for other agricultural purposes, but precludes them and any future owners from subdividing and developing it. "Orange County has lost a significant number of farms to development in the last ten years and it is quite rewarding for the land trust to work with wonderful people like the owners of Keith's Farm to assist them in the protection and preservation of a piece of Orange County's agricultural heritage," said Jim Delaune, Executive Director of the Orange County Land Trust. "This is a prime example of how Orange County government, the Orange County Land Trust and the farmer can come together to help sustain local food production," he added. "Small farms, like Keith's Farm, promote the production of fresh, healthy organic foods and buying local saves in transportation costs, which is also good for the environment. By voluntarily restricting the future development of their farm, Keith and Flavia have given a lasting gift to all of us in the county." Orange County began its open space grant program as a means of protecting scenic vistas and open spaces, and preserving the agricultural history of the county. The county relies on the Land Trust to provide its expertise in placing conservation easements, conducting site monitoring, assuring deed compliance and storing important legal documentation in perpetuity. The Orange County Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the voluntary preservation of land, and advocates for open space planning and smart growth development practices in and around Orange County. For more information and volunteer opportunities, please visit the website at oclt.org. |
