A conservation easement, also known as “less-than-fee” purchase, acquires only the property rights needed for the conservation goal (i.e., development and land use conversion rights).  More on conservation easements and their benefits can be found at this link. The program provides for both fee simple and conservation easement acquisition. A fee simple purchase transfers full ownership of the property to another party.

 

ELMAC ordinance considerations specific to agricultural easements include:

• Land quality for agricultural use - prime, unique, local or state-wide importance
• Economic viability – size, on-site farm infrastructure, proximity to off-site farm infrastructure, such as markets
• Compatibility of surrounding uses
• Degree of development pressure - proximity to the urban service boundary, zoning, residential development
• Proximity to other protected agricultural, environmental lands or wildlife corridors/greenways
• Enhancement or preservation of wildlife habitat, air and water quality, hydrology, ground water recharge, scenic, historic, and other cultural features

The land acquisition process is shown in this flow chart. 

Four main criteria are used to assess Natural Resource Value.  The criteria were established in the ELMAC Ordinance in 2003 and are fundamental to conservation and preservation programs throughout the Country. 

• Ecological Quality – quality of species or habitat, degree of alteration or degradation, level of restoration required
• Rarity of Species or Habitat – uniqueness, number of threatened, endangered or species of special concern supported
• Importance to Water Resources – protection of or degradation to portable water supply or aquatic environment
• Connectivity – proximity to existing conservation lands or planned corridor, size of connection.

While the Natural Resource Value criteria above address the purpose of the Referendum, these specific elements are evaluated to determine how well sites meet the purpose of the Referendum.

• Drinking Water Protection   
• Water Quality Protection       
• Prevention of Stormwater Runoff Pollution          
• Preservation of Fish Habitat                 
• Preservation of Wildlife Habitat
• Provision of Parks

An annual report will provide for accountability and oversight measures using performance measures and financial reporting.  This web page will include periodic updates with news and dashboard indicators.

Performance Measures

• Acreage of habitats acquired (fee simple and easements)
• Acres of habitat meeting referendum goals (water quality, habitat, stormwater, parks)
• Selection criteria rating for parcels acquired

Financial Reporting

• Expenditures for acquisition, improvement and management of land, indebtedness
• Millage Fund Balances/funds made available by County
• Funds provide by other organizations
• Expenditures unrelated to Referendum purpose

A grassroots effort, led by individuals and organization throughout the region, resulted in a successful 2020 Referendum to finance the acquisition, improvement, and management of conservation lands.  The Conservation and Parks Projects Referendum calls for a 0.15 mill ad valorem tax and up to $50,000,000 in general obligation bonds.  While the referendum provides a dedicated funding source, partnerships with other organizations result in additional funds and resources that support the success of the program.