Controlling Board Funds

State Representative McGregor Announces Release of Funds to

Tecumseh Land Trust for Agricultural Conservation Easement

(Columbus) State Representative Ross McGregor (R-Springfield) announced today that the State Controlling Board approved the release of more that $2.9 million in funding from the Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (AEPP), including a payment of just over $205,000 to the Tecumseh Land Trust for an Agricultural Conservation Easement.

“I applaud the state controlling board for approving the release of these previously appropriated funds, putting them to good use by ensuring preservation of important farmland in our community,” Representative McGregor said following the board meeting. “Agriculture is an important industry to our state and local economy, and the more we can do to promote Agriculture in our area of the state, the better” McGregor continued.

Tecumseh Land Trust will use the funds to purchase an easement in property located in the Fairborn area which otherwise may have been sold to developers. The Tecumseh Land Trust will ensure, through the AEPP, that the property continue to be utilized as farm land, minimizing conflicts between residential and agricultural uses and saving local government the long term infrastructure costs associated with sprawling rural residential development.

Tecumseh Land Trust will be the local holder of the easement, making monitoring visits to the property each year to make sure the terms of the easement are being followed.  The easement provides flexibility for a wide range of agricultural practices, but prohibits subdivision of the land, allows only one residence on the property, and prohibits any non agricultural uses or practices that lead to erosion or worsen water quality.

“I believe that this is a win-win for all parties involved,” Representative McGregor said. “An important piece of farm land will be preserved, no undue burdens will be placed on local government as the land will not be subdivided, possibly stretching local resources thin, and local residents can be ensured of a cleaner, safer environment.”