Conservation Easement Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

August 1, 2008, Palmer AK - A ribbon cutting ceremony for Alaska's first conservation easement acquired under the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program occurred in August of 2008.  Two decades ago, the general thinking of many in the agricultural community was that no one would sign up for easement programs except those in deep financial distress.  Today, many farmers and ranchers have come to understand that a conservation easement can be the best way to ensure that the land they love remains in agriculture. They can afford to continue to work the land while protecting it.  Rather than restricting what a farmer or rancher can do on the land, easements provide an incentive for conservation and have helped families retain farms and ranches that otherwise might have gone to developers. 

Photo:  Margaret and Leroy Heaven accept a plaque from Steve Gallagher of the Alaska Farmland Trust.  Other partners in attendance are Todd Petitt, Palmer Soil and Water Conservation District, President, Curt Menard, Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor, Cathy Wells, Friends of the Mat-Su, and Al White, RC&D Coordinator representing the NRCS.

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