Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Funding and Education for Local Programs

This project was completed in FY 05.  Its purpose was to educate about and promote Purchase of Development Rights programs as an important tool to help keep farmers in business and stem the tide of land conversion from agriculture to other uses.  This project has assisted interested counties and citizens in learning about why PDR programs are important and how to fund them.  In FY 05 the Council has:

• Donated $25,000 to the Clarke County Conservation Easement Authority to use to purchase development rights over the upcoming year through its purchase program.
• Held a workshop on the difference between purchased and donated easements in Frederick County on January 25, 2005, attended by more than 40 people from three counties; and one on April 14, 2005, attended by 65 people in Shenandoah County.
• Held a technical seminar on how to fund local PDR programs in Verona, VA, on April 19 targeted to county staff, the public and elected officials.   Over 75 people attended.  A few weeks later, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors voted to set aside $500,000 to purchase development rights on agricultural land.

Click here to see pictures and summary of April 19 Workshop