Fifty acres of highly productive farmland is EMSWCD’s latest “Forever Farm” project – farmland that will always remain in active farm use. Learn more about this working farmland project here:
Category Archives: Working Farmland Protection Program
EMSWCD helps protect Shaull property
EMSWCD was pleased to partner with the City of Gresham and Metro to acquire and preserve the former Shaull property in the Grant Butte area! This 8-acre property builds upon our previous investments in the surrounding area and further protects the water quality of the adjoining Fairview Creek headwaters and wetlands complex. It will also set the stage for improved access to the adjacent Southwest Community Park.
Check out our new Farm Access section
Access to farmland is a growing challenge for farmers! Learn why it is a problem, and what we are doing to address this need in the new Farm Access section on our website. The section also includes two examples of recent farm access projects and a variety of resources you may find useful.
Join our upcoming online workshops on farm transition planning!
It’s never too early (or too late!) to begin securing your farm’s future. A farm transition plan is essential to protecting your interests and minimizing attorney fees, taxes, and family stress. This free virtual workshop series will help you understand your options and navigate the planning process.
In partnership with the Clackamas Small Business Development Center at Clackamas Community College, Clackamas SWCD and Tualatin SWCD, EMSWCD will host four virtual workshops covering the following topics, each from 1 to 4 PM:
- January 27th: The estate planning process and options
- February 10th: Strategies for having difficult conversations
- February 24th: Organizing your finances and business structure
- March 10th: Preparing your operation and heirs for transition
Pre-register for the workshops here! You can also find out more about the importance of farm transition planning here.
Farm succession planning and resources
Are you planning for the future of your farm? We have added a brand new Farm Succession page to the Working Farmland Protection section with information on our farm succession planning workshops, as well as a great list of farm planning resources and other available workshops!
EMSWCD featured in COLT “State of the Lands” report
EMSWCD’s Headwaters Farm and Mainstem Farm were both featured in the Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT) “State of the Lands” 2020 report! The feature covers our Headwaters Incubator Program, which leases land and equipment to farmers launching their new farm businesses, and details how a graduate of the program is now farming on the adjacent Mainstem Farm, which was acquired by EMSWCD through its Working Farmland Protection Program.
There are also ten other features in the report detailing the work and successes of land trusts and other organizations working to protect vital natural lands in Oregon.
Public hearing notice regarding conservation easement: June 23rd, 2020
EMSWCD will hold a telephonic public hearing on June 23rd, 2020 at 1:00 PM in connection with the acquisition of a working farmland easement to encumber property located at SE 322nd Avenue, Gresham, OR 97080 and identified as Tax Parcel numbers 1S4E16B-00300 and 1S4E16B-00400. This easement will ensure the agricultural resource values of the property are protected in perpetuity.
Interested persons may submit written testimony prior to the hearing to Matt Shipkey at matt@emswcd.org, or may attend the hearing in person by calling 1 (877) 568-4106 and using the access code 505-109-629.
Additional information on the working farmland easement may be obtained by contacting Matt Shipkey, Land Legacy Program Manager at (503) 935 5374 or matt@emswcd.org.
Public hearing notice regarding conservation easement: April 21st, 2020
EMSWCD will hold a telephonic public hearing on April 21st, 2020 at 1:00 PM in connection with the acquisition of a conservation easement to encumber property located at 29139 SE Stone Road, Boring, OR 97080. This easement will ensure the natural and agricultural resource values of the property are protected in perpetuity.
Interested persons may submit written testimony prior to the hearing to Matt Shipkey at matt@emswcd.org, or may appear in person by calling 1 (877) 309-2073 and using the access code 715-251-493.
Additional information on the conservation easement may be obtained by contacting Matt Shipkey, Land Legacy Program Manager at (503) 935 5374 or matt@emswcd.org.