The Northern Neck’s amazing quality of life owes much to the region’s well-managed farms and forests which underpin the local economy and generate the environmental benefits of clean water and abundant wildlife that many of us take for granted.
Farmers and landowners who want to ensure that their land remains in agriculture and open space forever are invited to attend a short forum with members of the Northern Neck Land Conservancy (NNLC) this month in Heathsville.
“Farmland preservation offers tax savings and income potential to landowners who are willing to restrict development of their land through conservation easements,” said NNLC president Lawrence Latane´, a Westmoreland County vegetable farmer. “Easements also generate savings for a landowner’s heirs and help keep family land in family hands which is the key to family farming enterprises.”
“Preservation of Farm Lands through Conservation Easements” will be presented from 6 to 8 p.m. March 22 at the Northumberland YMCA, 6348 Northumberland Highway, Heathsville. The forum will feature insights from farmers and other landowners who have used easements as a tool to protect their land and generate additional income for their businesses.
NNLC executive director Elizabeth Friel will give an overview of easements—their pros and cons—and how they can be used to help maintain the Northern Neck’s rural culture, natural environment and farm-based economy. Refreshments will be provided. For reservations, call the NNLC office, 462-0979.