March 2005: The Washtenaw Land Trust recently finalized an agreement with Sharon Township (Washtenaw) landowners Reno & Nancy Feldkamp to preserve their 40-acre parcel.

"This is an historic milestone for the Washtenaw Land Trust," said Wayne Say, Washtenaw Land Trust Interim Executive Director. "The Feldkamps' easement donation marks the 35th property that the Washtenaw Land Trust has helped to protect. I'm pleased that they chose to work with Washtenaw Land Trust to protect their family land."

The protected parcel includes 40 acres of fields, tree plantings, rolling hills, and wetlands. The Feldkamps, who moved onto their 143-acre farm in 1950, have raised their family on the land, enjoying its scenic and agricultural setting.

The land is currently used in part to grow hay, as well as to grow Christmas trees that Reno & Nancy sell during the holidays.

The conservation easement placed on the property allows for open space and agricultural uses. A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a private landowner and a land trust that preserves the conservation values of the land by restricting the scope of development on the property, while keeping the property in private hands. Through the donation of a conservation easement, a landowner can take personal action to retain the inherent values of their land and may qualify for certain tax benefits.

The Washtenaw Land Trust is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that works to protect farmland and natural areas throughout Washtenaw County and the surrounding region. For more information, visit www.washtenawlandtrust.org, or contact the Washtenaw Land Trust at info@washtenawlandtrust.org or 734-302-LAND(5263).

Washtenaw Land Trust
info@washtenawlandtrust.org
734-302-LAND(5263)