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Santa Rosa County hears plan for ‘Legacy Land Protection Program’ to preserve farmland
Summary
County soil‑conservation staff presented a proposal for a voluntary conservation‑easement program to protect farmland; staff said $2,000,000 is available locally, about 10,000 acres are currently applied for and the program would seek matching federal/state grants, while Commissioner Raul pledged to bring a formal proposal in February.
Jason Tripp, a planner with the Santa Rosa County Soil Conservation Department, told the Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 20 that a proposed Legacy Land Protection Program would use conservation easements to preserve farm, ranch and timberland while keeping properties in private ownership.
"It's a voluntary agreement between a land owner and a conservation organization or government agency," Tripp said, describing easements as a way to sell or separate development rights while retaining agricultural uses and ownership. He said the county could use USDA and state ranking…
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