LAND TRUST AND NEW YORK STATE PARTNER TO PROTECT JEFFERSON FARM

JEFFERSON – The Schoharie Land Trust recently reached agreement with Shannon Finn to help protect the open space and agricultural viability of the 275-acre Danforth Jersey Farm in the Town of Jefferson.

Using a Farmland Protection Implementation Grant from the NY State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the land trust acquired a conservation easement on the farm that will encourage continued farming and keep the land available for agricultural use in perpetuity. The grant provides the landowner with resources to help continue the operation of this historic Century Farm.

“We are very pleased to be a part of this agreement which supports our mission of protecting the rural heritage of Schoharie County,” said Andrew Mason, land trust president. “Dairy farming is a tough business, and we appreciate the state’s commitment to keeping these operations viable whenever possible.” Mason particularly noted the efforts of land trust board member Karl Westphal in acquiring the grant.

Farmer Shannon Finn said, “This agreement helps us continue to do what we love—farm this land that has been in the family for seven generations. We thank the Schoharie Land Trust and Ag and Markets for their assistance.” In addition to a herd of Jersey dairy cows, the farm supports a butter-making operation, Cowbella Creamery.

Under the terms of the easement, the property must remain as open space, except for improvements related to agriculture, according to Mason. “Although no one can be forced to farm, the land will be there as an agricultural asset. Subdivision for housing, or commercial development is strictly prohibited.”

The conservation easement will be binding on any future owners or heirs, said Mason. The land trust will monitor the property annually to ensure compliance with terms of the agreement.

The Danforth Farm easement brings the number of properties protected by the land trust to twenty-nine, covering over 3000 acres. “We are very pleased that these landowners have the foresight and concern to set aside this land for those yet to come,” Mason said. “In many ways it is a gift to future generations.”

The Schoharie Land Trust is an all-volunteer organization with a mission to protect the beauty, land, heritage and rural character of Schoharie County. In addition to easement-protected lands, the group owns three properties in the county, including the 342 acre Paulson Preserve in Summit and Jefferson which is open to the public.

Landowners and others interested in the land trust’s work can contact Mason at (607) 267-8491, or via its website, www.schoharielandtrust.org.