DUMMERSTON — The Selectboard agreed unanimously Aug. 21 to approve a request from the Vermont Land Trust for a letter of support for their application to purchase the development rights on the Bunker/Cassidy farm.
The 169-acre plot, formerly owned by Dummerston residents Larry and Lynn Cassidy, will become the site for Bunker Farm, LLC through a proposal selected by Vermont Land Trust's Farmland Access program.
The property, located on Bunker Road and now owned by the Vermont Land Trust, will be operated by Noah Hoskins, sisters Helen and Jen O'Donnell, and Mike Euphrat, all local residents with farming experience.
And the project has more than the Selectboard's blessing: It has its key financial support. The Board reviewed a recommendation from the Farmland Protection Committee for $18,000 to apply toward the purchase of the development rights on Bunker Farm.
Board Vice-chair Lewis White had moved to expend $15,000; Steve Glabach seconded the motion. After much discussion, according to draft meeting minutes, Glabach offered a friendly amendment (accepted by Lewis) to increase the expenditure to $18,000 as a show of support for local conservation projects.
The motion passed as amended, 5-0.
On Aug. 14 The Commons quoted Vermont Land Trust Regional Director Joan Weir as saying Hoskins, the O'Donnells, and Euphrat will operate the farm under a lease until they can purchase the property in March 2014, pending fundraising on the part of the Vermont Land Trust over the next nine months.
Weir said at the time the campaign would need to raise upwards of $110,000; that figure has since settled at $106,000 in private donations and $396,000 in grant monies.
According to the town's Farmland Protection Committee, although Dummerston's contribution amounts to less than 2 percent of the total needed, it is a sign of “tangible support from the town, and that is important to other funders who will provide the bulk of the necessary monies.”
Funds raised will cover the remaining costs of conserving the property, staff and legal costs, and time spent negotiating the sale and transition. It has been a “long-term arrangement with the owners,” said Weir.
Weir explained that the property actually was an active farm some time ago. She said the property has great potential, and that the Farmland Access Program allowed VLT to match it with “the right farmers.”
The farm was bought from the Cassidy family at market value, and will be sold to the four farmers for a more affordable price, Weir said. She added that the property will be placed under a conservation easement, which will ensure that it can only be used for farming, forestry, recreation, or education. Subdivision or other development will be forbidden regardless of ownership.
No additional town funds will be sought in connection with the project, according to selectmen.
The board also voted unanimously to write in support of the project. That letter had been requested by Weir, who wrote that the Selectboard's support is required for the trust's funding application to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.
At its Aug. 6 meeting, the Dummerston Planning Commission voted to send a written letter of support for the project.
Bunker Farm will seek to increase locally grown produce in the area and combine several areas of revenue: pasture-raised meat and poultry, “custom grown” flowers and plants, maple syrup, and locally sourced firewood.