The “need” for local governments to act quickly to protect farmland
and open space, by turning private property into semi-state controlled
property has emerged in Buncombe County, according to the Citizen-Times:
Buncombe County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to spend nearly
$1.8 million to help buy conservation easements on more than 800 acres
of farmland, forests, fields and ridgelines.
The money will be combined with $2.9 million in private contributions
and other grants to buy development rights from owners of four large
tracts.
Conservation easements hinge on an agreement between the land owner
and an organization or government agency in which the owner continues
to own and use the property, but promises not to engage in certain
types of development that could degrade conservation values, such as
scenic views, water quality and creeks.
In return for giving up
their right to develop or subdivide their land, property owners get
partial compensation for the value of their land or tax benefits.
The owner still has the right to sell the property, but future owners are bound by the easement’s requirements.
