When participating with the ACUB program, families work with Tug Hill Tomorrow and Ducks Unlimited to create a conservation plan for the property. The plan addresses immediate and long-term goals, while ensuring flexibility for future operations. Families are then paid through the ACUB program for the appraised value of their non-farm development rights, as determined by a state-qualified appraiser familiar with this type of conservation project. The properties remain in private ownership and stay on the tax rolls. The farmers or landowners are not told how to farm or manage their land in the agreement, as we believe farmers and local landowners are important stewards of the land.
“The ACUB program strengthens our local farming community by providing financial resources to these farm families,” explains Mark Pacilio, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust, Executive Director. “These farmers and landowners have a great connection to their land and share a passion for the long-term importance of farming. Through this program, landowners have used the funds they received to invest back into the farm or to help facilitate passing the farm on to the next generation—and most importantly the land will continue to be available for agriculture.”
As Fort Drum and the Army continue to be a vital part of the North Country, the ACUB program is going strong. We’re currently working with two families to protect their lands.
If you’re interested in more information about the ACUB program please contact Land Stewardship & Conservation Manager, Emily Antonacci at (315) 779-8240 or email her at eantonacci@tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org