Working with Byron and Ingrid Greenfield, who donated the development rights on their 94-acre property, CLC created a conservation easement that permanently protects the most important natural characteristics of the property. With the easement, as with all of CLC’s easements, the landowners will be able to live on and enjoy their land. They can also practice agricultural and sustainable forestry activities.
The whole region benefits from the creation of conservation easements. The wildlife we value and the views we enjoy are not limited to the property we own and depend on large blocks of contiguous land to preserve diverse habitats. We are dependent on our neighbors and the community at large for conserving Columbia County.
The conserved land is mostly comprised of wooded hills. Forests provide water quality protection, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat. Protecting forests also provides health benefits as trees neutralize pollutants that contribute to asthma, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The property also contains an intermittent stream and vernal pools which provide an important wildlife habitat. Protecting biodiversity decreases infectious diseases, including Lyme disease and West Nile.
The property is part of a “Neighborhood Conservation Block.” Within three miles, there are eleven other properties permanently protected with private conservation easements held by CLC. CLC’s 433-acre Hand Hollow Conservation Area, which is open for public recreation, is two and half miles away.
The easement protects the scenic beauty of the region. It is highly visible from several area roads as well as the center of Canaan. Protecting scenic views is important for the quality of life of area residents and also supports the regions growing tourist industry.
With the closing of this conservation easement, the Columbia Land Conservancy now holds easements on 21,445 acres. Conservation aasements are part of CLC’s Land Protection Program.
