Farm Bureau and Ottawa County leaders seek input on farmland preservation strategies
Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 01/22/2019 02:12 PM EST
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Farm Bureau and Ottawa County leaders seek input on farmland preservation strategies
Ottawa County Farm Bureau and Ottawa County are seeking input from landowners regarding the preservation of local farmland. A survey is being mailed to landowners with at least 5 acres or more in Ottawa County. With Ottawa County being the fastest growing county in Michigan, as well as boasting one of the most diverse and productive agricultural economies in the State, it’s never been more important to achieve a healthy balance between growth and farmland preservation.
The short survey will aim to gauge landowners’ thoughts and attitudes concerning farmland preservation in Ottawa County. It will also gather information regarding their level of knowledge of the County’s existing Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program, which is one tool in a potentially larger farmland preservation strategy. “Our ultimate goal is to hopefully expand the County’s Farmland Preservation toolbox so that there are a number of ways to preserve farmland, in addition to PDR,” commented Paul Sachs, Director of Planning and Performance Improvement for Ottawa County. “Addressing the right challenges with the right tools in the right places of the County is an important part of having a robust, long-term strategy for farmland preservation.”
The results of the survey will be used to help identify and develop other potential land use planning strategies to support the needs of the local landowners and ensure the future sustainability of Ottawa County. This collaborative effort between Ottawa County Farm Bureau and the County is part of a multifaceted approach to driving farmland preservation forward in Ottawa County.
If you are interested in participating in the County’s existing Purchase of Development Rights Program, you can complete a Pre-Application at www.miottawa.org/farmlandpreservation. From the website you can also read about the farms that have been preserved by the Program, find out how the Program works, or simply learn about the impact of farmland preservation.
Media Contact:
Julie Lamer | Farmland Preservation Analyst | (616) 738-4852 | jlamer@miottawa.org.
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Ottawa County is located on Lake Michigan’s spectacular freshwater coastline where nature is cherished and protected. More than the lakeshore, you’ll find the people of Ottawa County friendly yet driven, working hard to succeed in charming downtown small businesses, at manufacturing hubs with global impact and on acres passed down from generations. We embrace creativity and believe that diversity makes us stronger. We resolve that our public services must be high-quality and cost-effective. We are innovative and never wait for someone to solve our problems for us. We are friendly neighbors chipping in, lending a hand and making sure you know Ottawa County is where you belong.
Ottawa County | 12220 Fillmore Street | West Olive | Michigan | 49460 | 616-738-4000
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners:
Chairman Greg DeJong | Vice-Chairman Roger Bergman | Philip Kuyers | Jim Holtvluwer | Doug Zylstra | Matt Fenske | Al Dannenberg | Joe Baumann | Frank Garcia | Kyle Terpstra | Randy Meppelink
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meets the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at 1:30PM. The public is welcome and encouraged to participate. Meetings are held in the Board Room located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan.
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