County backs Bergman nature-preserve purchase with $53,000 appropriation

The Planning, Energy & Environmental Quality Committee approved a negative declaration and then unanimously appropriated $53,000 to support the Finger Lakes Land Trust's effort to protect about 130 acres of the Bergman parcel in the town of Newfield.

Planning staff explained the Bergman site is identified in the county conservation plan as a wildlife and habitat-connectivity focus area; staff said the parcel contains intermittent streams with 50-foot buffers and contributes to a corridor that helps species adapt to climate change. "The Land Trust is requesting $53,000 to protect a 130 acres of land," staff told the panel.

Committee members discussed whether watershed location should be a higher program priority, how stewardship will be handled and whether the county should treat these payments as recurring budget items if the demand continues. Staff said the Natural Infrastructure Capital Program was paused for three years and typically receives $200,000 annually when funded; the current fund balance was presented as roughly $380,000 and would decline to about $285,000 if the three projects discussed at the meeting are approved.