Browntown community members joined staff from the Alliance and partner Valley Conservation Council to learn about the benefits of land protection. Those attending heard how permanently protecting a property with a conservation easement not only preserves the land but protects water quality, wildlife habitat and other natural resources. Easements also provide farmers an opportunity to invest in the future of agriculture within their communities by unlocking the value of land for retirement or on-farm investments while keeping the family farm and the business it supports intact. Currently there are 40 conservation easements in Warren County that protect more than 9,500 acres.
Emily Bender, Land Protection Director at Valley Conservation Council, describes how land protection is a great tool to protect family farms and improve water quality.
If you’re considering a conservation easement on your property but aren’t sure you can pay the upfront costs, find out about possible financial assistance here!
Pictured at the top is Alliance board member, Christine Andreae, and her husband Fred sharing what inspired them to do their first conservation easement in 2000 and what they’ve learned along the way since doing several more. (Photos courtesy Chris Anderson)