Definition:
What is an Agricultural Conservation Easement?
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An agricultural conservation easement is a deed restriction landowners voluntarily place on their property to prohibit any land use other than for agricultural land uses. It will allow the land to remain in agriculture in perpetuity.
Agricultural conservation easements are used by landowners to authorize a qualified conservation organization to monitor and enforce the restrictions set forth in the agreement.
Agricultural conservation easements are designed to keep land available for farming.
Why is it important to Preserve Farmland?
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To assure affordable and accessible food supplies.
To encourage soil and water conservation and to ensure a natural ground water recharge.
To keep demand for public services and the taxes needed to support them lower.
To preserve the culture and heritage associated with the farming community.
To help preserve and save open space, the aesthetics and the quality of life that we all want to continue to enjoy.
Eligibility Requirements:
To Qualify for the ACE Program, the Farm Must:
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Be located in an Agricultural Security Area.
Contain at least 50% of soils which are available for agricultural production and are of capability classes I-IV.
Contain 50% harvested crop land, pasture lands or grazing lands.
Must be at least 50 contiguous acres in size, 25 acres for a County only purchase, or a minimum of 10 acres of a unique crop, or 10 contiguous acres with an attached perpetual agricultural conservation easement.
How Farms Are Chosen For Easement Purchase:
Farmland Preservation is a voluntary program. Any landowner meeting the minimum criteria is eligible to apply to the program.
Provided funds are available, the farms that score the highest are chosen for easement purchase.
The quantity of farms selected is dependent upon the amount of funding available for each year.
Conservation Easement Application Form SAMPLE
Program Booklet
LESA Ranking (soil 40%)