AISWCD RESOLUTION 2007-3

Farmland and Open Space Protection

WHEREAS, Illinois contains large acreages of the most productive farmland in the nation and the world, much of which is located in regions adjacent to rapidly urbanizing areas; and

WHEREAS, urban development in Illinois is annually converting 50,000 acres of agricultural and forest land to residential, commercial, and other uses; and

Whereas, protection of working farmland and open space provides for continued food, fiber, and energy production; open space; wildlife habitat; improved air and water quality; and a better quality of life within local communities; and

WHEREAS, farmland protection and purchase of agricultural conservation easement (PACE) programs are protecting working farms and open space in many states where urban development pressure is accelerating; and

WHEREAS, voluntary, incentive based programs are needed to help landowners protect and preserve working farms and open space while keeping land in private ownership.

THEREFORE, be it resolved that the AISWCD provide statewide leadership to establish a coalition of agricultural, environmental, state government, county government, local government, and other interests to work with the General Assembly to establish and fund an Illinois farmland protection policy that would enable local governments to develop programs to purchase agricultural conservation easements. 

Approved by Madison County SWCD on December 12, 2006.

Approved by Land Use Council 12 on February 26, 2007.

Approved by AISWCD Urban Committee March 5, 2007.

Approved by Legislative Committee: June 11, 2007.

Approved by Resolution Committee: June 11, 2007

Approved by AISWCD Board: June 12, 2007.

Resolution 2007-3 PASSED on July 30, 2007