Letter to the Editor: Farmland Preservation in Jeopardy

Two issues regarding the town owned Peaceful Valley Farm are being considered by the Tolland Town Council. The first is a “License to Farm” agreement involving the ongoing care of the land. The second issue involves the permanent protection of it.

 In 2003, The Peaceful Valley woodlands and farm on Hunter Road were purchased by the town. The woodlands were purchased with town conservation funds. Thirteen acres of abutting agricultural land and a barn were purchased with town municipal funds leaving open the potential for the town to develop it for a variety of municipal uses in the future.

In 2010, many residents worked diligently with Conserving Tolland to advocate for a License to Farm allowing Bea Campbell, former owner, to maintain the town owned agricultural land and barn.  A Tolland business owner funded the printing of Bea Campbell’s diary which was then sold to the public to fund the renovation of the barn.  We asked the Town Council at that time to enter into an agreement with the Connecticut Farmland Trust to hold an easement on the farmland to protect it in perpetuity.  That Council saw the wisdom in protecting this remnant of our farming heritage and agreed to partner with the Trust.

In early July, 2012 the town received the final documents from the Trust.  We hope that the current Town Council will endorse the action taken by the previous Council.

Sadly, in late June 2012  Bea Campbell passed away. She conserved her land and successfully encouraged other Tolland land owners to do the same.

At the July 24, 2012 meeting, the Town Council was slated to approve a new “License to Farm” agreement for this property. The item was approved for the agenda by Chair, Jack Scavone and recommended for approval by the Town Manager.  Vice Chair Richard Field motioned to table the item without discussion.

Contact the Tolland Town Council to ask that Peaceful Valley Farm be protected in perpetuity, and to issue a “License to Farm” to someone with the know-how to maintain the farm.

We urge you to attend the next Council meeting on Tuesday, August 14th at 7:30 pm.

The preservation of Campbell Peaceful Valley Farm is in jeopardy. We know that you share our concern.

Thank you,

Roseann Kellner Gottier, Founder and Chair, Conserving Tolland, www.conservingtollandct.org