45-41. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

  1. Purpose. Preserving the County’s agricultural lands in a manner that directs and accommodates growth and development is a high priority for County residents. To this end, the County establishes the following goals:
    1. To permanently protect and conserve those land in the County best suited for agricultural uses;
    2. To identify and harmonize policies of government at all levels which may conflict with the goal of protection of farmland;
    3. To reduce land use conflicts between agricultural and other land uses; and
    4. To promote agriculture as an integral part of the County’s economy.
  2. The Henderson County Soil and Water Conservation District staff and the Farmland Preservation Coordinator shall make recommendations to the Agricultural Advisory Board on selecting properties for the purchase and/or donation of agricultural conservation easements. Subject to the availability of local, state, and federal funding, the Henderson County Soil and Water Conservation District may acquire or support the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements consistent with this ordinance. It may seek assistance from any appropriate qualified conservation organization.