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Buncombe County staff report new easement projects, grant applications and a title issue delaying one closing
Summary
Staff told the Buncombe County Land Conservation Board about upcoming easement work including baseline documentation, survey starts in early July, a Southern Appalachian Community Farm expansion closing set for mid-July, and a title problem that has paused work on one Fairview property.
At the June 16, 2026 meeting, Buncombe County staff updated the Land Conservation Board on several easement projects and grant activities. Staff said three new parcels owned by a single landowner would be the subject of easement applications; detailed maps will be provided next month and baseline documentation visits are scheduled for projects approved last year.
Staff reported that survey work for multiple projects will begin in the next few weeks and that the Southern Appalachian Community Farm expansion closing is scheduled for the second week of July. The staff member also said they expect survey drafts for phase 2 and 3 projects by early July.
One project—Wilson Farm in Fairview—has paused nonlegal work because of a title issue; staff said they have halted surveys and other nonlegal tasks while the county attorney resolves the title problem. The staff member described this as a solvable issue that will take additional legal work and time.
On funding, staff said the projects under discussion have funding set aside and described a mix of sources that could include remaining ATC funds and earmarked bond allocations; exact appraisal estimates are pending while appraisals and appraiser reports are completed. Staff also said they plan to submit expressions of interest in August for three state programs (including Agricultural Growth Zone supplemental funding and the permanent preservation grant), with full applications due later in the year.
Board members discussed program design and outreach, noting that the county program covers transaction costs (unlike some land trusts) and that the county often reaches landowners who would not otherwise work with land trusts. Several members emphasized keeping the process easy for working farmers and preserving momentum while funding is available.
The board did not change the project ranking systems; staff said they will keep two ranking tracks (bond vs. grant) but simplify back-end administration so staff can manage both more easily.
