At the heart of OFT’s conservation work is a commitment to preserving lands for today and for future generations to come. Part of this work includes monitoring our protected properties to ensure that the integrity of each conservation easement agreement is upheld. These agreements are designed to last for 999 years and reflect the enduring legacy of the landowners’ conservation goals. OFT is proud to protect 26 properties, totaling over 2700 acres of land.
The monitoring season typically spans from May to September, and is led by OFT’s Farmland Protection and Stewardship Program Manager, Joel Enman. Alongside Joel, OFT hires a Farmland Ecology Assistant to support these monitoring visits. This year, we’re so happy to have Harpreet Opal join us for the summer.
In the beginning of May, Joel trains the Farmland Ecology Assistant on OFT’s monitoring processes and programs, including our mapping software used for capturing photos of the property as well as Species at Risk during the monitoring visit.
Before every monitoring season, the conservation easement agreements for each property are reviewed to ensure both the Farmland Ecology Assistant and the Farmland Protection and Stewardship Program Manager are refamiliarized with the aspects of each unique agreement.
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