HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019.09.16-WRC_FLLT_ConservationEasementsConservation EasementsA STRATEGY FOR PROTECTING WATER QUALITYHannah GeorgeConservation Easement StewardFinger Lakes Land Trust
Table of Contents1.FLLT Overview2.Conservation Easements3.Statewide Programs4.Other FLLT land management strategies for water quality
Conservation EasementsOur Most widely‐utilized conservation toolProperty remains privately owned, stays on local tax rolls, does not permit public accessA legal agreement that specifies land use restrictions to protect the natural values of the propertyLand Trust is deeded rights in perpetuity, future landowners are held to the agreementFLLT conducts annual monitoring and enforces the terms of the easement documentDonors are eligible for federal and state tax benefits
Statewide ProgramsSource Water Buffer Program$5 million available, new programLed by the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and MarketsNot an easement on the entire farm, but just the creek/wetland corridor.Compensation not by appraisal – 90% of tax assessed value for buffer and 65% for farm‐use area.Application made by Soil & Water Conservation District on behalf of interested farmersWater Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) ProgramUp to $70 million availableLed by NYS DECProject types include: wastewater treatment improvement, land acquisition for source water protection, aquatic connectivity restoration
Other Water Quality StrategiesHydroseeding an exposed roadside ditch on our Staghorn Cliffs preserve property on Skaneateles Lake with Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District – June 2019New constructed wetlands on the Owasco Preserve with the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program. – Constructed: January 2019, Photo: June 2019Planting trees along a CE property the East Branch Owego Creek – May 2019