The Bayfield Regional Conservancy has come a long way since the year 2000. At that time, the nascent, all-volunteer land trust was on the brink of dissolving, but a handful of residents shepherded the organization through a challenging rebirth which has led to a vital, vibrant land trust that has forged a new conservation initiative in the Bayfield Region. The Conservancy has been a leader in building partnerships with local governments, developing conservation initiatives that have a strong economic component, and also carrying out typical land trust work with private landowners donating conservation easements.
The Conservancy has worked very closely with the Town of Bayfield to develop and administer a new Farmland Protection program to save the orchards and farmland hat make Bayfield a special place. This year, with the help of the federal Farm Bill grants, the first two Bayfield orchards and farms will be permanently protected through a Purchase of Development Rights program. The orchards are an important element of the Bayfield economy, and the rural landscape is important to the residents and visitors who love the open spaces. This program is a delicate interdependent relationship between a Town, the Conservancy, the community and the federal government, no one partner could do it alone, and the Conservancy’s role is fundamental in coordinating the program.
~ Ruth Oppedahl, Bayfield Regional Conservancy
Bayfield Regional Conservancy and the Town of Bayfield have started an effective program to protect the unique farmland in the town. The producers of cherries, berries, and vegetables have found the perfect microclimate for their crops – right here in Wisconsin. In order to preserve these working lands, which also contribute to tourism in the area, the Conservancy and the Town are offering produces an alternative to selling for development. It is a winning situation for everyone.
~ Natural Heritage Land Trust
