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November 7, 2005
Walton,
N. Y. - Third generation family farmers Barb and Ernie Hanselman
had a chance to tell the conservation story of their 152-acre
Bloomville dairy to over 150 farm and forestry supporters
at Belleayre Mountain on November 2. The scene of the gathering
was the Watershed Agricultural Council's Annual Forestry
Dinner and Silent Auction, which raises money each year
to support its Conservation Easement Stewardship Fund.
Barb
Hanselman explained that, in their families and on their
land, farming is a tradition that made what might seem like
a hard decision for some – releasing their right to develop
the land for other than agricultural purposes – an easy
one for them. She said that their choice to sell development
rights so the land is conserved forever came from a desire
to “burn the mortgage,” and see the farmland continue in
production forever. With seven children actively involved
in every aspect of the operation, it seems like a good bet.
Barb is also renowned for the home-baked pies she sells
under her “Farmer's Wife” label.
The
Silent Auction gave donors the opportunity to bid on a unique
blend of Catskill-made farm- and forestry-themed items.
In addition to hand-hewn artisan pieces contributed by talented
woodworkers and fiber artists and artwork inspired by local
agriculture, the auction tables were filled with practical
items like cutting boards and cookware, chainsaws, and safety
equipment. Now in its third year, the auction raised over
$7,000 for the Easement Stewardship Fund.
The
Funds will be used to create an endowment to support all
that is necessary in working with WAC's Conservation Easement
landowners into the future. Easement Program Manager, Amy
Olney, comments, “Our relationship with the farmland owners
in our program is a perpetual one – meaning forever. Donations
to the Fund insure that WAC has healthy resources to provide
information and services about good land stewardship to
the easement farmers.
The
Watershed Agricultural Council has recently begun a campaign
to raise awareness of the Conservation Easement Stewardship
Fund through a new publication called “Preserving More Than
A View,” which is available upon request by calling 607-865-7790
x100. It is also possible to donate by check or credit card
to the Fund online at www.nycwatershed.org
. WAC is a non-profit organization with a mission to
support working farm and forestland in New York City watershed,
and is funded by New York City Department of Environmental
Protection, USDA Forest Service and other federal and foundation
sources.
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