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The Town of Ithaca established its Agricultural Land Preservation Program in 1999 for the purpose of protecting its agricultural land resources for future generations by purchasing development rights on key farm parcels in the Town. It is a voluntary program through which the Town Board, on behalf of all Town residents, would purchase from willing sellers the development rights, or conservation easements, limiting the uses and development potential of key agricultural parcels. Participation in the program enables farmers to continue farming their land. It will help farmers stay in business by providing needed capital, and it relieves development pressures by ensuring that development will not encroach onto participating farm parcels. The primary benefit of this type of easement program is that the properties remain under the ownership and stewardship of the private landowners. For several years the Town has been setting aside funds in an Open Space Reserve account for the Purchase of Development Rights program.
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.jpg) Policies and Procedures Manual Agricultural Easement Application Form |
The Town has adopted this program as a long-term commitment.
Approximately 2,800 acres of farmland in the Town of Ithaca were recommended
for inclusion in the voluntary program in the Town of Ithaca Park,
Recreation and Open Space Plan (December 1997).
First Agricultural Conservation Easement Acquisition
On January 31, 2003, the Town of Ithaca obtained its first agricultural conservation easement on a 40-acre parcel at the intersection of Mecklenburg and Sheffield Roads on West Hill. The parcel contains approximately 30 acres of active farmland and 10 acres of mixed woods and shrub growth. The owners, Lisa & Gary Ferguson, are currently renting the land to a local farmer who is using the land for hay. In the future, the Fergusons plan to use the property themselves for a diversified organic farm with flowers, vegetables, fruits, and livestock. Scenic views over the property are visible from Sheffield Road looking east toward East Hill areas of the Town of Ithaca and beyond.
40-acre parcel at the intersection of Mecklenburg and Sheffield Roads on West Hill |
Aerial Photo (1995) of Easement Parcel" |
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For more information, please contact the Town of Ithaca Planning Department at (607) 273-1747 or email: Mike Smith, Environmental Planner.