Conservation and Development Plans

Landowners can prepare conservation and development plans that allow future development to coexist with active farmland and healthy natural areas so that the best agricultural soils and natural areas are preserved. Preparing conservation and development plans encourages landowners to consider the long-term preservation and economic goals for their property, while identifying significant natural resources to be protected. Plans may include long-term strategies to finance implementation of the plan, and derive income, through developing non-sensitive portions of the land.

Farmers and rural landowners can prepare conservation and development plans to identify areas to farm, areas to protect, and areas to use for other operations. The primary goal of these plans is to conserve productive farmland for the long-range continuation of farm operations, and to preserve important natural features. Conservation and development plans are site specific and will be different for each property. Plans typically locate the lands most suitable and productive for active agriculture, areas that include sensitive natural areas, spaces for future residential development, and areas suitable for future rural/farm-business development.

Locally, assistance in developing these plans is often available through the Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation Service and the Finger Lakes Land Trust.