ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828NewsNow.com) — Buncombe County commissioners approved nearly $600,000 in additional funding to support five conservation easement projects aimed at preserving farmland and protecting open space across the county.
The presentation was made at the Nov. 5 Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting. The total funds approved totaled $596,150.
The budget amendment presented by Ariel Zijp, who is the farmland preservation manager with Buncombe Agriculture and Land Resources, requested $68,900 from the county’s fiscal year 2027 fund and $527,250 from the 2022 Open Space Bond.
The county said that the fiscal year 2027 funding covers transaction costs for two projects:
- A $62,900 request for Sluder Branch Farm
- An additional $6,000 for the Battle Forest easement in Candler
Zijp said in the presentation that the Open Space Bond supports easement acquisitions for three farms:
- Brown Legacy Farm in Leicester
- Cedar Hill Farm in Alexander
- Saddlebrook Farm in Leicester
The presentation said the projects would protect nearly 110 acres of farmland.
Cedar Hill Farm includes almost 60 acres used for cattle and hay production and borders Sandy Mush Game Lands, with frontage along the French Broad River.
Brown Legacy Farm includes 25.2 acres of hay fields, scenic views and Newfound Creek.
Saddlebrook Farm covers 24.55 acres and includes cattle operations, hay production and also parts of Newfound Creek.
Sluder Branch Farm, a 59-acre working cattle farm in the Leicester-Sandy Mush Conservation Focus Area, is in the initial stages of the process. The farm has already received Agricultural Advisory Board approval.
County officials say the funding requests include matching money for an Agricultural Growth Zone Grant. The requested board action does not increase previously allocated project funds.