Legacy Land Conservancy appeals rescindment of funding
Jansen Farms (partially) in Bridgewater Township is just one farm which will remain farmland forever, thanks to Legacy Land Conservancy.
by Sara Swanson
We reported in June that the federal government rescinded Legacy Land Conservancy’s $24.6 million Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) award–funds that Legacy and their partners would have used to protect more than 4,000 acres of farmland and forest in southeast Michigan.
On Sept. 22, several Legacy staff and one of their attorneys participated in a five-hour formal appeal hearing before the USDA National Appeals Division. Executive Director, Diana Kern, stated, “It was a long day of presenting evidence, answering questions, and making the case for why this critical conservation project funding was incorrectly rescinded and must be reinstated.”
Over the next 30 days, Legacy can submit additional documents and evidence. After that, they’ll have another 30 days to submit closing arguments. The judge will then have 30 days to issue a decision. Kern notes that with the federal government shut down though, this work is paused and they could see significant delays.
Kern states, “While the process is long and exhausting, Legacy remains strong, focused, and hopeful. We are standing by our commitment to the Michigan farmers, families, and landowners who were counting on this support, and we are determined to see it through.”
Founded in 1971 as Michigan’s first local land trust, Legacy is a non-political, nonprofit conservation organization that protects land in southern Michigan. Legacy’s mission is to secure for current and future generations a land base for nature, agriculture, fresh water, and recreation in Jackson and Washtenaw counties and beyond. Legacy has helped to protect more than 10,000 acres of land that enhance our community’s quality of place by safeguarding water quality, conserving working farms, and protecting places to play. In addition they own and manage eight nature preserves including Sharon Hills Nature Preserve in Sharon Township and Iron Creek Nature Preserve in Manchester Township. In a testament to 48 years of successful voluntary conservation, Legacy is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission for adhering to a set of standards designed to ensure the organization’s work will endure forever. Legacy is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more information, visit www.legacylandconservancy.org.
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