The Adirondack Land Trust is hosting a free informational session for farmland owners 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall, 1610 NY-22, Essex, NY. The event, “How do conservation easements impact farm finances?” will touch on ways farmland conservation easements can affect land values, property taxes, borrowing ability and other financial matters.
The following panelists will share their experiences and knowledge as well as answer questions:
- Greg Fetters, Financial Advisor & Conservation Easement Landowner
- James Graves, Owner/Operator, Full and By Farm, Essex
- Rob Guay, Owner/Real Estate Appraiser, Viewpoint Ag Evaluation & Consulting
- Chris Jage, Conservation Program Director, Adirondack Land Trust
- Jill Robinson, Enrolled Agent, Farm Credit East
In Essex County, maintaining agricultural uses on an estimated 523 parcels totaling 39,000 acres is important to the future of local farming and food, according to the county’s Farmland Protection and Food System Plan (2022). The Adirondack Land Trust is opening lines of communication about conservation easements as a land protection tool to help farmland owners plan for the future of their fields, pastures and cropland.
This event is supported by a Farmland Access Outreach Grant through NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and offered in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County.
Questions about the event or conservation easements can be directed to Megan Stevenson, (518) 576-2400 or .
Image by Erika Bailey