PRESS RELEASE
McHENRY COUNTY 

On June 6, 2006 the McHenry County Board passed a comprehensive Agricultural Conservation Easement and Farmland Protection Program ordinance.

Passage of the ordinance will assist in the protection of farmland, safeguarding groundwater recharge and aid in the potential collaborations with municipalities on efforts to transfer development rights as a tool to implement municipal land use plans.

The program is an incentive-based voluntary program to purchase development rights from willing sellers. The farmland protection program will benefit people countywide through: protecting groundwater recharge, preserving community character and safeguarding water quality in local rivers and streams.

According to County Board Chairman Ken Koehler, “a Farmland Protection Commission anticipated under the ordinance will be seated this summer and should be operational by the first of the year. This is an important step to insure that the quality of life and rural characteristics of McHenry County will be preserved and available for future generations to enjoy.”

The McHenry County Farmland Preservation Alliance will work closely with the County Board and Commission to hold public informational session about the new program and to work with interested landowners to determine funding needs and mechanisms. “The Farmland Alliance is thrilled that the County Board took this important step towards preserving the farmland resources in the County, and our members look forward to working in partnership to implement an effective program,” said Alliance member Lisa Haderlein. Additionally, the Land Conservancy received financial support for the implementation of this program with a $3,800 grant from the McHenry County Community Foundation. “Through their grant, the McHenry County Community Foundation confirmed farming to be a viable local economy that will have a long-lasting effect on the livelihood of the entire county,” said Haderlein.

County Board Chairman Ken Koehler thanked the Farmland Preservation Alliance, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, the McHenry County Conservation District, the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the McHenry County Farm Bureau for coming together to cooperatively work on this important initiative.

For additional information contact the Farmland Alliance:
Ken Koehler, Chairman McHenry County Board 815.334-4041
Dan Volkers, Manager, McHenry County Farm Bureau 815.338.1520
Lisa Haderlein, Executive Director, The Land Conservancy 815.455.4618
Dave Brandt, Resource Conservationist, Natural Resource Conservation Service 815.338.0099x3
Kate Halma, Executive Director, McHenry County Community Foundation 815.338.GIVE