Forest Conservation Benefits Communities, Industry in the New York City Watershed
March 8, 2019- Walton, NY- In 2018, the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) launched its Forest Conservation Easement Program. “The goal of the Forest Conservation Easement Program is twofold,” stated Easement Program Director Ryan Naatz. “We aim to preserve large tracts of private forestland for both the water quality protection they provide and for the benefit of local industries that they serve. Our easements promote a working landscape, with timber harvesting as well as bluestone mining allowed in accordance to management plans that protect water quality.”
This program is already proving to be quite successful, as WAC recently closed on its largest project to date, over 1,000 acres of forestland. Ann Rasmussen and her family have owned and managed their lands in Walton, NY for timber production since the 1960’s. “This was a partnership that just made sense,” Rasmussen declared. “The goals of WAC and the Forest Conservation Easement Program closely align with our family’s goals. The easement allows us to continue to use the land for timber production, recreation and hunting as it has been for generations. Our partnership with WAC has helped us create a sustainable plan for the next generation to continue to work and enjoy the property as we have been fortunate to.”
Read the full Press Release here.
Read the Success Story here.