BIG FLATS, N.Y. (WENY) -- A local nonprofit organization bought two acres of land in Big Flats along the Chemung River on Wednesday. The Finger Lakes Land Trust bought the land to conserve and limit development along the Chemung River.

"The [Finger Lakes] Land Trust works cooperatively with land owners in local communities to conserve those lands that really define the character in the Finger Lakes and the Southern Tier. This mean that we acquire land, we work with local governments to establish parks, and we use something called a conservation easement that limits development," said Andrew Zepp, executive director for the Finger Lakes Land Trust.

Zepp said the conservation easement is well suited for land like farmland. He said most people would agree the best way to conserve farmland is not to have a nonprofit own it or the government -- but to keep it in the hands of a farmer.

"The conservation easement ensures that when it’s turned over to the next generation, it stays a farm and is not available for development," said Zepp.

The two acres the Finger Lakes Land Trust acquired on Wednesday is located in Big Flats, on the north side of the Chemung River and adjacent to the 211 acres previously bought back in 2019 in a partnership with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"This very important two acres is modest in size but has that frontage that’ll allow this recreational area to actually have river access. This latest acquisition is part of an ongoing effort by the Land Trust to conserve the land bordering the river for its natural resource value, but also to provide public access," said Zepp.

Zepp said a lot of the work of the Land Trust is being proactive, and places like Elmira and Corning are remarkable for its natural resources and recreational value.

"This will provide opportunities for hiking, hunting, bird watching, paddling, and fishing. It really is an extraordinary resource that we continue to work on to conserve the resource and provide public access to. This will just make it easier for people to connect to the outdoors and will provide more space," said Zepp.