EMSWCD will hold a public hearing on March 28th, 2019 at 5:00 PM at Multnomah Grange #71, 30639 SE Bluff Road, Gresham, OR 97080 in connection with the acquisition of a conservation easement for working farmland. This easement is being acquired in connection with the sale of EMSWCD’s Oxbow Farm and will ensure the property remains in agricultural use in perpetuity.
EMSWCD acquired the property in 2011, when it was listed for sale. At the time, EMSWCD was concerned that a sale could result in the local farming community losing access to one of the most productive farms within our district. That concern motivated EMSWCD to purchase the property and then make it available for lease to two Multnomah County farmers.
EMSWCD evaluated a number of options for future use of the property, and determined that a resale of the property would meet the greatest number of objectives in the most cost-effective manner.
As noted above, the property will be sold subject to a perpetual working farmland easement. This legal instrument will ensure the farm remains in active agriculture, remains available to future generations of farmers, and is managed in such a way that the productive agricultural soils are utilized to their full, sustainable capacity. The sale proceeds will be used by EMSWCD to protect additional working farm properties, to ensure farmers have access to farmland.
Additional information on the conservation easement for working farmland acquisition may be obtained by contacting Matt Shipkey, Land Legacy Program Manager, East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, Portland, OR 97209. Phone: (503) 935 5374. Email: matt@emswcd.org