Preserving Farmland to Protect Family Traditions

NRCS in Virginia is preserving some of the best farmland in one of the fastest growing counties in the state through cooperative conservation.  Partnering with Fauquier County and the Piedmont Environment Council (PEC), Virginia NRCS recently closed on its largest FRPP easement of 740 acres.   

Owner John Nissley wanted the easement to keep the land in agriculture and protect it from development.  He operates a family dairy business with nine of his twelve children. Preserving the farmland to him means protecting his family’s tradition for future generations.

The easement prohibits further subdivision of the land that had the potential for at least 29 home sites. The total value of the easement is $870,000 with NRCS contributing nearly $300,000.

The easement also maintains a 35-foot wide riparian buffer along three miles of waterways that cut through or adjoin portions of his land.  With his farm in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, this easement will play a very important role in protecting water quality.

FRPP Printable Version

< Back to ...