CMLC Farmland Preservation Program
Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy's Farmland Preservation Program is working to protect farmland and forestland in and around Henderson and Transylvania Counties-land that provides agricultural, economic, ecological and cultural benefits to the community for the present and future generations. John Bonham, the Farmland Preservation Coordinator, educates landowners about conservation options, develops conservation easements, and works with local agents to promote agricultural development and farmland protection. In 2007 John developed a Farmland Protection Plan for Polk County. CMLC is a member of the Farm Prosperity Project, a grant-funded research initiative intended to preserve western North Carolina farmland and farm heritage. The project is identifying crops and preservation methods that help sustain the longevity of farmland in the region.
