NATURAL LANDS . FALL / WINTER 2020 11
The landowner showed us a spot to cross a big stream that bisected his farm . He and I made it across , but a colleague lost his footing and fell into the water . He managed to keep the expensive Trimble device we use for mapping and data collection held up high out of the water , though !”
Fortunately , violations of easements are not commonplace . Said Erin McCormick , director of Natural Lands ’ conservation easement program , “ Occasionally we note the removal of trees in a Highest Protection Area , or a dump site where the homeowner — or sometimes a neighbor — is putting yard debris . There have been a couple notable occasions where the owner installed a driveway that encroached into protected areas or built a shed where it wasn ’ t permitted .”
When a monitor notes a violation , the landowner is notified in writing and given details on how to correct the issue . Trees have to be replanted , sheds moved , and driveways rerouted . “ When we agree to hold an easement , we commit to a significant responsibility — and one that has no expiration date ,” noted Williamson .
worth the effort . Back at Great Oak Farm , the Boyd family couldn ’ t be more thrilled with their conservation decision .
Said Sean Boyd , “ I hope that conserving our property with Natural Lands will further both historical and open space local preservation efforts . Perhaps the biggest benefit of all will be spreading the importance of conserving these natural areas so that our children and their children will be able to enjoy them .”
“ We work with dozens of landowners every year to protect their land ,” said Oliver Bass . “ Each project is a celebration ; we don ’ t take a single one for granted . All the preparation , all the paperwork , all the months it takes for a conservation easement to finally come together … it ’ s all part of making sure these lands have a tomorrow . Forever .”
Fisher Property , Robeson Township , Berks County spent doing this has a real cost that we need to cover to make our budget each year .”
Victoria Mars , daughter of Virginia Cretella Mars , describes the Foundation ’ s commitment to conservation , saying , “ My mother has always had a passion for open spaces and protecting land from development in her community . If you don ’ t own land that you can protect directly , the next best thing is to support the work of a quality organization such as Natural Lands , which can . Being able to explore their preserves during these times has been beneficial to my family and increased our belief in the valuable work that Natural Lands does .”
“ It costs an average of $ 40,000 for us to create a conservation easement , and the value of the land is diminished once its development rights are extinguished ,” said Peter . “ Only the very wealthy can afford to absorb this loss . Public funding has been a game changer in the conservation world , and , when coupled with invaluable support from a private donor like Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation , makes middle class conservation possible .” W
Friends Hospital , Philadelphia left : Greg Snyder , right : Mae Axelrod