Contact: Jane Larson (608) 224-5005
MADISON—Sixteen farms from across Wisconsin have been selected to participate in the state’s new Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) program. The farms cover more than 5,000 acres in Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Iowa, Jefferson, and Waupaca counties and represent Wisconsin’s wide diversity of agriculture.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection received 36 applications in response to its first call for proposals for the PACE program where farmland is protected through the purchase of permanent easements.
“This was the first time we have offered this program and we’re very pleased with the response and quality of the applications,” said Tom Lyon, chair of the 17-member PACE Council. “Landowners and local governments across the state are looking at PACE as a way to invest in agriculture and its role in the community and local economy. PACE is one of the best ways to ensure that land stays available for Wisconsin’s farmers.”
PACE applications were scored and ranked based on a number of evaluation criteria including farmland quality, consistency with local planning and zoning, water quality benefits, and community support. The PACE Council, which advises DATCP on the administration of the program, recommended that the department move forward with the top 16 applications.
“The applications that the Council selected contain some of the best farmland in the state and represent the diversity of Wisconsin’s agriculture. The applicants are backed by their local communities so this land will remain in agriculture and will continue to play a vital role in the local economy,” explained Dan Poulson, PACE Council member, grain farmer from southeastern Wisconsin and one of five council members to assist in the evaluation of the applications. “Protecting these farms will make sure the land is available to be farmed by our children and grandchildren.”
Under the PACE program, the state agriculture department will provide up to 50 percent matching funds to local cooperating entities to purchase permanent easements. While the landowner is compensated for the fair market value of the easement, the landowner retains ownership and continues to farm, but non-agricultural development of the property is restricted and applicable soil and water conservation practices must be followed. The easement remains with the land and all future landowners are bound by the terms of the easement, which allows landowners to continue farming and earning income through agricultural businesses.
As a next step in the process, DATCP will negotiate contracts with the cooperating entities that detail the purchase price and the specific terms landowners must follow under the easements. Information on the selected applications is available on the DATCP website at http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/workinglands/pace.jsp.
Applications that were not selected this round will have another opportunity for consideration in the 2011 grant cycle.
At its September 15 meeting, the PACE advisory council will review application materials and make recommendations for improvement based on suggestions and comments from landowners, cooperating groups and staff. Application materials for the 2011 PACE grant cycle will be released later this year. The 2011 PACE application deadline will be in mid-February, 2011.
For more information about the PACE Program, contact Lisa Schultz at LisaJ.Schultz@Wisconsin.gov, or 608-224-4604.
