Orange County schedules public hearing and approves funding to acquire conservation easement on Morcheski Farm

The Ways and Means Committee approved a set of related measures concerning the proposed conservation easement over the Morcheski Farm in the town of Warwick.

Staff asked the committee to rescind a December 2024 resolution because the county was operating under the incorrect assumption that the state would co‑hold the easement. County staff explained that the New York State Ag & Markets farmland protection implementation grant will fund 75 percent of the project and that the Orange County Land Trust will acquire and hold the conservation easement and be responsible for monitoring and enforcement.

The committee voted to rescind the prior resolution, scheduled a public hearing under New York State General’s Law 247 for Feb. 21, 2025, and authorized acquisition of an interest in the conservation easement with a maximum county share of $272,569 (not to exceed 25 percent of project cost). The county will draw funds from the Orange County open space fund established by the legislature in 2024.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about who would hold and monitor the easement; staff confirmed the Orange County Land Trust will be the easement holder and that the state will provide grant funding but will not be a co‑owner of the easement.