HAMDEN, NY. — The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) will host a Conservation Easement Roundtable on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 12 noon–2 p.m. at the Hamden Town Hall (corner of Route 10 and Covert Hollow Road). Lunch will be provided.

The roundtable is designed for landowners interested in learning how an Agricultural Conservation Easement or Forest Conservation Easement could support their land, livelihood, and long-term goals. The event will offer a practical overview of how conservation easements work, who may be eligible, and how easements help landowners access equity while keeping their land in private ownership and active use.

Since signing its first conservation easement in 2001, WAC has protected working landscapes across the NYC Watershed, supporting its mission: To promote the economic viability of agriculture and forestry, the protection of water quality, and the conservation of working landscapes through strong local leadership and sustainable public-private partnerships.

WAC’s Easement Program purchases development rights on private land, allowing landowners to retain ownership while receiving a one-time payment. Initially WAC Agricultural Conservation Easements only applied to active farmlands, however, in recent years, the Easement Program expanded to include Forest Conservation Easements.

WAC is currently engaging with landowners interested in learning more about what an easement could mean for their property.

Who should attend?

Farmers, landowners who lease their land for farming, and forest landowners located within the NYC Watershed may be eligible.

A watershed boundary map is available at: nycwatershed.org/nyc-watershed-boundary-map

To learn more about eligibility visit our website:

nycwatershed.org/conservation-easements/acquisitions/eligibility-requirements-for-a-wac-easement/

Key facts about WAC Conservation Easements:

• Landowners are paid for development rights.
• Participation is voluntary through a free appraisal.
• Easements restrict certain uses, such as subdivision, to protect agriculture, forestry, and water resources.
• Conserved land remains privately owned and on local tax rolls.
• Easements preserve the rural character of the region.
• Payments can support retirement planning, farm or forest transfer to the next generation, infrastructure improvements, debt reduction, and more.
• WAC also offers Farms and Forests in Transition Grants through its Economic Viability Program to support the easement process.

RSVP / More Information:
Email: rmorgan@nycwatershed.org
Phone: 607-865-7790, ext. 120