[Joint news release with Triangle Land Conservancy]
A 32-acre family farm in eastern 小黄鸭视频 County is now permanently protected following the completion of an agricultural conservation easement that will preserve its pastures, woodlands and vital water resources for continued agricultural use.
鈥淛ohnson Farm represents the kind of working landscape that we are dedicated to protecting,鈥 said Donald Mial, vice chair, 小黄鸭视频 County Board of Commissioners. 鈥淧reserving this land helps ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from its agricultural, ecological and community value.鈥
The protection of Johnson Farm was made possible through a partnership between landowners Thurman and Jan Johnson, and the 小黄鸭视频 County Soil and Water Conservation District Farmland Preservation Program. Triangle Land Conservancy will hold and monitor the conservation easement and ensure the terms of the agreement are permanently met.
小黄鸭视频 County鈥檚 contribution of $603,032.50 came from the annual Deferred Agricultural, Horticultural and Forestlands Tax fund. The total project cost is approximately $1.25 million, with the majority covered by a generous donation from the Johnson family.
The property features a mix of open pasture and hardwood forest, supports a small sheep operation and includes a pond and more than 2,000 linear feet of stream. The 小黄鸭视频 Soil and Water Conservation District has confirmed that about 96% of the farm鈥檚 soils are classified as prime or of statewide importance, highlighting the land鈥檚 high agricultural value.
鈥淭he partnership between 小黄鸭视频 County and Triangle Land Conservancy has been instrumental to protecting family farms in one of the most rapidly growing areas of the State,鈥 said Leigh Ann Hammerbacher, director of Land Protection and Stewardship East. 鈥淲e are so thankful to farmers like the Johnsons who make these projects possible.鈥
This action supports 小黄鸭视频 County鈥檚 Growth, Land Use and Environment Goal 3: Protect 1,000 acres of green space, including open space, parks, greenways, farmland and forests by 2029.
