Conservation in Wilton NY by Saratoga PLAN

Saratoga P.L.A.N. Announces the Conservation of 82 acre farm

 in the town of Wilton.

Saratoga P.L.A.N. (preserving land and nature) is proud to announce the completion of an 82 acre conservation easement on a farm in Wilton New York.  This beautiful property known as Creek side Farm consists primarily of agricultural land which produces crops and provides pasture.  It also contains an abundance of wildlife, woodlands and it rests along the banks of the Snook Kill, a plentiful trout stream.

The easement was donated by land owner Susan Miller, a vegetable farmer and retired local teacher.  Miller has lived on the property since 2003, and contacted P.L.A.N. about protecting this property which she has grown to love after seeing how quickly the areas around her farm were developing. “I love it here and feel that this land is worth preserving, I want to protect these 82 acres and provide a sanctuary for whoever walks this ground, long after I am gone” says Miller.

Miller who retired from teaching in 2001 is also the co-founder of the HOME MADE THEATER in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Always an avid gardener and animal lover, she is somewhat new to farming and says she has learned a lot from the local farmers in her community. Her customers cherish the carefully tended vegetables that she sells at her roadside farmstand.

Susan Miller has entrusted P.L.A.N. with the protection and conservation of this property in perpetuity.  Saratoga P.L.A.N. raised the funds for the stewardship endowment privately and hopes Susan Miller’s conservation of Creek side Farm will inspire others to consider protecting their property for future generations.   

Simply put, a conservation easement is a recorded legal agreement on the future use and level of development that can take place on a property. The right to uphold the terms of the easement is given to a tax-exempt charitable organization such as Saratoga PLAN, or to a government agency. In its most basic form, a conservation easement will limit future real estate development, industrial use, and many potential commercial uses. A conservation easement allows the owner to continue current land uses, including; residential and recreational use, agriculture or forestry. A conservation easement protects the qualities of the land, such as habitat, open space, and scenic views, for the benefit of the public. The land continues to be privately owned, however, and public access, if any, is determined by the landowner.

Saratoga PLAN helps protect the exceptional quality of life in our region by conserving open spaces and special places for present and future generations. Saratoga P.L.A.N. is a not-for-profit land trust offering comprehensive land conservation services to landowners, developers, organizations, and government partners, while striving to achieve regional coordination and cooperation on land use, open space and recreational trail planning.  It has protected over 3,197 acres of farmland, natural habitats, and water resources in Saratoga County.  For more information on land protection or conservation easements, contact Saratoga P.L.A.N. at 518-587-5554 or go to their website at www.saratogaplan.org.

See realted artiicale in today's paper.

http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2010/04/29/news/doc4bd90bad803c1424335398.txt