December 2005: The Washtenaw Land Trust announces the completion of another project to protect natural areas and open space, this one in Washtenaw County's Northfield Township.

The couple who own and live on this property, Tom Hatch and Sue Shink, have donated a conservation agreement on two contiguous parcels to protect 22 acres of fields, woods, and wetlands.

Tom and Sue moved to the property three years ago and live there with their family. On the rural property, they are raising chickens, horses, sheep, and other animals. They purchased the neighboring parcel this year.

The Land Trust worked with Tom and Sue to finalize a conservation agreement for the property. The agreement 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 agreement, a landowner can take personal action to retain the inherent values of their land and may qualify for certain tax benefits.

The conservation agreement restrictions do not cover two building sites, including the house and barns, so that Tom and Sue will have the flexibility to add or modify structures as needed.

Tom is a senior attorney practicing in the Ann Arbor office of Butzel Long. Sue is also an attorney and serves on the Northfield Township Board of Trustees. She has been active in local efforts to protect farmland and open space.

"I know that Sue is passionate about protecting local working farms and natural areas, and we're honored that she and Tom decided to work with the Land Trust to protect their own property," said Susan Lackey, Washtenaw Land Trust Executive Director.

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About the Washtenaw Land Trust:
The Washtenaw Land Trust is Michigan's oldest land trust and has protected more than 2,000 acres of farmland and natural areas. A private, non-profit organization, it provides private land protection solutions in Washtenaw, Jackson and Ingham counties.

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