Neighbors in Fort Thomas are promoting an innovative way to keep
development at bay – they created a forest conservancy, yes, a forest
conservancy, right in their own backyards.
The Fort Thomas Forest Conservancy
is only two-and-half years old. It started in 2008, when residents of
the small Kentucky hamlet began to see developments encroaching on their
town.
To stave off further development, they created a land trust, incorporated with the city. Thus, the conservancy was born.
"Fort Thomas is a unique place, self contained little town that people
never seem to leave," says Bert Thomas, chairman of the Conservancy. "It
was the right time."
The main purpose of the conservancy is simple: protect and preserve the
forest, hillsides and greenspace within Fort Thomas, including four
miles of wooden riverfront that the city owns. Without a conservancy,
these areas could have been sold by their owners and developed into
commercial or residential properties.
Thomas, of Fort Thomas, says it doesn't have to be that way.
"We're trying to provide a platform for residents to conserve their
land," he says. "By preserving that space, we preserve the character of
Fort Thomas."
He wants people to donate to the land trust, which benefits both the
city and the donor. By getting a conservation easement, a method of
protecting land without the owner losing the title to it, residents can
still can sell or will their properties. But, to do so, they have make
an agreement with the land trust that resists development on the land.
And conservation easements are protected forever. Should a maintenance
issue arise on the land, an invasive species moving in perhaps, the
trust takes care of the costs.
"We've been trying to put the word out about all the incentives of
joining the conservancy," says Thomas, who notes that this year a land
trust donation also can qualify as a federal tax deduction.
Do Good:
• Have a picnic.
Become a member of the Conservancy and you'll be invited to an annual outdoor meal.
• Join the crew.
Add your green-thumb talents to the Gardening or Trail & Tree Crew.
You might end up helping with the honeysuckle eradication program
scheduled for October.
• Make your next tax deduction count.
Donate to the Conservancy and write it off on your 2011 taxes.
By Ryan McLendon
Image courtesy of Fort Thomas Forest Conservancy
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