On the public land, good news. In the late 1960's, when I was for the first time impressed with the US system of national parks and forests, camping and hiking across the continent [weekly], I read somewhere that the initial intention of the system was not to preserve nature but to limit the expansion of private land properties. I recall that because recently, while hiking in one of the local natural preserves, I’ve noticed that a substantial part of the preserve is still farmed - which prompted me to investigate the history of the preserve. Here is what I've learned:
Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP) purchases unique natural areas to ensure their preservation for the benefit of all County residents, plants, animals and people. The Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission manages the program, identifying and caring for lands with special ecological, recreational, and educational benefits. NAPP
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was established in 2000 by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners through the passage of Natural Areas Ordinance No. 128. The county-wide mill tax (millage) that funds the program will gener- ate approximately $27.5 million during the period 2002-2011. The land protected from 2001 to present is 1811 acres in 17 preserves. It is acquired either by an acquisition or a conservation easement. Acquisition process begins when landowners nomi- nate their property to the program. Properties recommended by Natural Areas Technical Advisory Committee (NATAC) are reviewed by the Washte- naw County Parks & Recreation Commission and the Local Unit of Government where the land is located. If the Commission decides to proceed with the acquisition, the landowner will be made an offer at fair market value, as established by a certified appraiser. Lands purchased with NAPP funds are owned and maintained by the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission. Conservation easement is a voluntary binding agreement that permanently limits a particular property to conservation-compatible uses and activities, thereby protecting biodiversity, water quality, wildlife habitat, etc. This type of easement is used to protect land by purchasing the develop- ment rights without buying the property outright. The owner retains title to the land which stays on the tax rolls and remains economically productive. All conservation easements acquired through the NAPP allow for public access to the land. So nice to hear that. High prize to the families who voluntarily limit the usage of their land, for the public good. |
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Krešimir J. Adamić
