Conservation Easement Workshop

Halifax, VA (January 18, 2019) – Halifax County and Virginia Cooperative Extension are partnering to bring a program to local farmers and landowners in January. The Conservation Easements 101 Workshop will be held on Thursday, January 31^stat Ernie’s Restaurant at 5:30 p.m. 
 
The program will begin with Sherry Buttrick with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) and David Perry with the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy (BRLC) giving an overview of the opportunities with a conservation easement. According to VOF, “through increased revenues generated by agriculture, forestry, tourism, and outdoor recreation, land conservation enhances Virginia’s largest industries and supports local economies. Conserved open lands also save localities the ongoing costs associated with support-service infrastructure and ensure sustainable working landscapes into the future. As an additional benefit, conserved lands can protect water quality, offsetting costs for managing stormwater and protecting drinking water supplies.”
 
Participants will be able to ask questions, hear success stories, and understand the benefits of a conservation easement and if it is a fit for their land or farm management plan. In addition, farmers and landowners will be divided up into round table discussion groups following dinner and the presentation based on their interests: livestock, crops, forestry, or wildlife. Discussions will be facilitated by an expert or local producer in that field. Registration is required in advance by January 25 by contacting Halifax County Extension at 434-476-2147 or lorip@vt.edu. Program tickets are $20/person and include dinner.