Genesee Valley Conservancy

The Genesee Valley Conservancy (GVC) is a non-profit land trust operating out of Geneseo, New York, in the United States. Founded in 1990, GVC works "to protect the habitat, open space, and farmland of the Genesee Valley region." GVC strives to maintain and enhance the scenic and environmental quality of the Genesee Valley region. GVC has permanently preserved over convert|8300|acre|km2 of land as open space in Livingston, Erie, Monroe, Ontario, Wyoming and Allegany counties. GVC operates with the help of two full time staff, temporary staff and interns, and countless volunteers. GVC is governed by a Board of Directors and over 500 members contribute to the organization, making permanent land conservation possible.

"In the end, our society will not only be defined by what we create, but also by what we refuse to destroy."" John Sawhill

Why is conservation important?

Land conservation helps to ensure our communities' character. With open space rapidly disappearing, conservation efforts are increasingly important. Protecting our land preserves the natural values of the Genesee Valley region. Natural areas are essential to a healthy environment, local food production, scenic views, and overall quality of life.

If unplanned development continues without intervention, our community faces serious challenges: The disappearance of valuable farmland that our communities have relied on, the destruction of habitats and natural areas that support animals, plants and that ensure water quality, and the loss of unique scenic beauty that characterizes the region. Combined, these losses, if allowed to occur, would result in a transformation of the community we presently reside in.

Working against these threats is not anti-growth. GVC strives to introduce conservation options for landowners (and the community), while allowing for the growth necessary for prosperity. With foresight and sound planning, this is possible.

How land is protected

GVC's primary conservation tool is a conservation easement. This easement is a perpetual legal document whereby landowners agree to permanently restrict industrial, commercial and residential development on their property, limiting activities that may destroy the land's environmental integrity. Landowners retain ownership and all other rights on their property. GVC’s internal criteria for land protection are as follows:

"1) The property is in active agricultural use."

"2) The property buffers agricultural land, wildlife habitats, or other sensitive areas."

"3) The property includes important wildlife habitats and/or known migration routes."

"4) The property is in a relatively natural, undisturbed condition."

"5) The property is visible to the public from roadways, waterways, or recreational areas."

"6) The property shares a common boundary with a publicly preserved land or other significant open space."

"7) The property is in close proximity to private land, which is already preserved or likely to be permanently preserved."

"8) The development of the property would diminish scenic views or interfere with views across protected open space."

"9) The property affects the integrity of a significant watershed area, creek, pond, or other body of water."

"10) The property is of sufficient size that its significant features are likely to remain intact in spite of adjacent development."

GVC also uses fee simple ownership of properties to benefit the community. Lands owned by GVC are managed to provide for public access to natural areas as well as to provide for natural habitat and resource protection. GVC accepts gifts of land that have conservation values. GVC also maintains a restricted donor designated fund that can be used to purchase land with conservation values that GVC wishes to hold in fee. The GVC fee ownership program focuses on owning land for one or more of the following purposes:

"1) Preserving ecologically significant land"

"2) Protecting open space"

"3) Providing public access to natural areas for recreational purposes"

"4) Preserving open spaces consistent with the policies set forth by the town in which the land is owned, the state of New York and the Federal Government."

GVC continues to develop its first publicly promoted fee land, the Island Preserve, located in the Village of Geneseo. A system of trails is maintained for the community including a few benches for resting. The property is used for research and further educational opportunities are being sought. Additionally, the property is in the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, a cost share program that helps establish valuable habitat for birds and other species. This funding and advice assists GVC to restore native grasses on this property that was previously disturbed due to active crop farming.

GVC achievements

Protecting over convert|8300|acre|km2 of land; an area 60% the size of Letchworth State Park. This includes 12 miles of Genesee River frontage and convert|200|acre|km2 of land in the Conesus Lake watershed.

Owning a 40 acre nature preserve that is open to public access. The Island Preserve, is located in the village of Geneseo.

Worked with NYS to acquire the Genesee Valley Wildlife Management Area that is now owned and managed by the DEC [ [http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7786.html] List of DEC properties in Region 9] .

Worked with Livingston County to implement its Farmland Protection Plan [ [http://www.co.livingston.state.ny.us/pdfs/planning/Farmland-Protection-Plan-2006.pdf] Livingston County Farmland Protection Plan, July 2006] . Since 2005, GVC has secured State funding for the protection of seven farms, which will preserve an additional convert|6000|acre|km2.

Oak Tree Race

In 2005, GVC hosted the first ever Oak Tree Race, a dual event consisting of both a half marathon and a 5K road race. This annual event attracts over 350 runners to Geneseo. The Half Marathon travels through [http://www.geneseoapog.com historic downtown Geneseo] and out into the rural countryside of the Town past several GVC protected properties. The 5K course travels through the historic district of Geneseo and past two protected properties in the Village. This event showcases the beautiful scenic views protected by GVC and also functions as a major fundraiser for the organization.

How You Can Help

Not-for-profit organizations have many ways to get involved. Here are a few ways that GVC involves the community.

- Become a member - GVC relies on annual memberships to fund important conservation activities. Over 70% of their annual budget comes from membership donations. All members receive the annual newsletter, annual report, an invitation to the annual picnic, and notices of nature walks on conserved properties and other special events.

- Protect your land - A landowner can pass on their development rights of his or her land to the Conservancy, while retaining all other land rights. Or, give your land outright to GVC to insure its continued protection for future generations to enjoy. - Volunteer - GVC benefits from the use of volunteers whenever possible. Volunteer hours provide valuable service to the organization both in the field and in the office.

References

External links

* [http://www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org Genesee Valley Conservancy] - Genesee Valley Conservancy's website
* [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=115031793122185254377.00044f411d6f03fdda128&ie=UTF8&z=12 Google Map of some GVC projects] - an interactive google map with photos and an Island Preserve trail map
* [http://www.LTA.org The Land Trust Alliance website] - a national organization assisting land trusts conservation efforts