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Bedminster Land Conservancy

“Preserving the Land, Protecting the Future”

Celebrating Ten Years of Land Preservation in Pennsylvania
Text Box: Who we are: We are a local, nonprofit, independent land trust, incorporated in August 1997.  Operating in accordance with the Standards and Practices of the Land Trust Alliance, we are working to conserve land and natural resources in upper Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This area is approximately 40 miles north of Philadelphia and known for its charm, rural lifestyle, historic character, and natural landscapes. Our name refers to  Bedminster Township, one of small townships that is centrally located in this area. Our outreach and land preservation work takes us throughout the area of Bucks County. What We Do: We are committed to the protection and preservation of the agricultural heritage and rural lifestyle that still characterizes Bedminster and neighboring communities in upper Bucks County. To accomplish this, we must acquire conservation easements on land, either donated (and thus tax-deductible), or purchased. We educate landowners on the economic and ethical value of conservation easements, and encourage and help them to protect their properties. To this end, we have established an easement fund, and as it grows we will be able to purchase easement rights from those landowners who meet our criteria. How We Are Funded: Our funding currently comes from membership fees, donations, fund raising activities, and grants. What is a Conservation Easement? In simple terms, a conservation easement is a legal agreement between the owner of a property and a nonprofit organization or government agency in which the owner agrees to restrict future uses of a parcel of land. The landowner and any subsequent owners must comply with the provisions of the easement. Typical restrictions may include limitations on any additional homes on the property, and restrictions on the disturbance or removal of vegetation or wildlife habitat. Since all situations are unique in their own ways, each easement is different as well. In granting the easement, the landowner retains some rights, but voluntarily gives up others. The land stays in private ownership and can therefore be resold—but the conservation easement stays with the land forever. In fact, for the Bedminster Land Conservancy to accept an easement, it must be written as “forever”. Since a conservation easement may be either donated or purchased, there can be significant financial benefits to the owner and future heirs. We are happy to assist landowners to get in touch with experts on the legal and financial aspects of conservation easements. 2007 Bedminster Land Conservancy Board of Directors Wendy P. Battisti, President Sandra Cowperthwaite, Vice President & Corresponding Secretary Susan A. Delin, Treasurer Barbara Thomas, Secretary Gabriel A. Battisti III Abby Brooks Dan Devery Director of Conservation, Barbara Drew Text Box: Text Box: Wow! Don’t Miss This One! The 3rd Annual Bedminster Land Conservancy Barn & Farm Tour is scheduled for Sunday, October 14th All six featured farms are located in beautiful Bedminster Township, PA Tickets are just $15 if purchased before October 14th . They are $20 if purchased on the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased at: Dublin Agway Roger’s Roadstand Doylestown Bookshop Click the Calendar of Events link to find out more about the tons of events happening on this fun day, or call our Text Box: Bedminster Land Conservancy Mission Statement The goal and purpose of the Bedminster Land Conservancy is to function as a community-based land conservancy for the preservation of farmland and our agricultural heritage, and well as other open spaces, natural resources, wildlife habitats, and scenic features within Bedminster Township and other Bucks County municipalities. The main functions of this conservancy are to identify land of significance and resources for preservation; promote, accept, hold, and provide stewardship of conservation easements; provide information and function as a resource network for area residents and public agencies; sponsor educational preservation programs, conduct fund-raising activities, and work with other groups, corporations, and organizations with similar missions to promote and further the goal of this conservancy.

The official registration and financial information of the Bedminster Land Conservancy may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free: 1-800-732-0999. 

Registration does not imply endorsement

 

 

Registration does not imply endorsement

Photos by David Stone