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Consider adopting a resolution supporting the Solano Land Trust application to the California Department of Conservation for a Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation program grant of $1.8 million that will facilitate the establishment of an agricultural conservation easement on 2,204 acres in Pleasants Valley
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Vasquez and the Department of Resource Management recommend that the Board consider adopting a resolution supporting an application from the Solano Land Trust to the California Department of Conservation for a Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation program grant of $1.8 million that will facilitate the establishment of an agricultural conservation easement on 2,204 acres in Pleasants Valley.
SUMMARY:
Solano Land Trust (SLT) is applying for a Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) program grant from the California Department of Conservation to allow for an agricultural conservation easement to be placed on 2,204 acres (Brazelton Ranch) within the Pleasants Valley agricultural region of the county. The grant request is for $1.8 million which, if approved, will combine with federal and SLT funding to total $2.4 million to cover the full acquisition costs for the easement. The easement would be placed on the property in perpetuity.
The proposed easement will allow for irrigated cropland on the valley floor portion of the property and grazing/rangeland activities in the hillside areas. This generally reflects current agricultural practices in the Pleasant Valley area and is consistent with the federal funding requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
A requirement of the SALC grant process is a signed resolution from the Board of Supervisors in support of the project. A link to the SALC grant application and guidelines is below.
SALC grant application a...
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