WHAT IS A LAND REGISTRY?

A land registry is a listing of properties that contain “special” natural features that landowners have voluntarily agreed to protect.  This is an oral, non-binding agreement.  The landowner can back out at any time, and the agreement does not affect the deed.  The landowner agrees to monitor and protect specific features of the property in cooperation with Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust.

The purpose of the land registry is to identify significant parcels of land and, through voluntary agreements with landowners, take the first step toward protection of the land’s natural resources.  Ultimately, these lands could be protected permanently through a conservation easement.

WHAT ARE SIGNIFICANT PROPERTIES?

Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust is committed to helping retain the forest, farm, recreation and wild lands of the Tug Hill region.  Significant properties that would qualify for our land registry program should have one or more of the following characteristics:

  • The property includes important farmland, based on historical significance, success of farm operation, and/or soil quality.
  • The property consists of a large forested acreage (over 250 acres, managed for timber, recreation, hunting, fishing, or other uses).
  • A major watercourse forms a boundary or travels through the property.
  • The property is located within one of the land trust’s focus areas.
  • The property contains a rare or endangered plant, animal, or habitat.
  • The property contains a significant geological feature (gulf, waterfall, etc.).

LANDOWNER COMMITMENT

The landowner, by voluntarily agreeing to register their land, agrees to the following:

  • Protect the land to the best of their ability.
  • Notify Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust of any significant changes they are planning, or any natural changes that have occurred.
  • Notify Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust of any intent to sell property, so that Tug Hill Tomorrow can contact the new owner to discuss possible continuance of the property in the registry program

For more information about our land registry program, or about placing your property on our registry, please contact:

Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust
P.O. Box 6063
Watertown, N.Y.  13601
Phone:  315-779-8240
Email: thtomorr@northnet.org