Posted: | March 18, 2013 10:02 AM |
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From: | Representative Chris Ross |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Agricultural Conservation Easements - Trails |
In the near future, I plan to introduce a bill which would correct a problem for farmers who have placed their land under an agricultural conservation easement with the state. Some farmers wish to allow for a trail easement through their property. These easements may provide them some tax benefits or possibly an additional source of direct income. Currently, the Department of Agriculture does not allow for this additional easement on the property. In addition to frustrating the farmers' intention, this policy also makes it difficult to establish continuity in the trail systems. I have inserted language which limits the extent of the trails and requires that they be constructed in such a way so that they do not diminish the agricultural productivity in a significant way. These easements can only be created with the fully voluntary cooperation of the farmer. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. |
Introduced as HB1126