Christmas & Associates works with Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust on Farm Easement

Christmas & Associates, Inc. and Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust reached an agreement and recently closed on a Conservation Easement for 108 acres in Florence, NY, known as the Loomis Farm.  Christmas & Associates, Inc. acquired this land in June 2009 which was part of the original farmstead once operated as a working dairy farm.

"We are so happy to have had the opportunity to work the land conservation people at Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust and thank them for their efforts in completing this easement," states Dan Christmas, president of Christmas & Associates, Inc. "This property, having been in the Loomis family for over 100 years, is an area treasure which holds special, historic value as farmland and wildlife habitat which we felt obligated to protect. As a recreational land sales company, we explicitly include environmental protection as part of our mission and recognize the importance of maintaining the integrity of the land, the wildlife and the character of our beautiful region."

The picturesque property is located on a long ridge line and boasts panoramic views of the Mohawk Valley.  The property is made up of pastures, hay field and forests with a mix of conifers and northern hardwoods as well as beautiful streams and wetland.

"We've enjoyed a common interest with Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust in protecting sensitive lands while promoting appropriate land use and look forward to working with them again to preserve other lands in our beautiful area", adds Mr. Christmas.

Linda Garrett, Executive Director for Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust states: "Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust worked effectively with Christmas & Associates to achieve common conservation goals for this former dairy farm. This project is a new venture for the Land Trust, one where a recreational development was proposed for a portion of the property in concert with protection of other areas of high conservation value. After evaluating the merits of the project, the board determined that there were significant conservation values to be protected and voted to proceed. Unfortunately, many Tug Hill farms are going under, and the land trust is working to protect as much as possible valuable farmland so it is available for farming in the future.  It is important to the rural character and economic base of our communities."   

With the completion of the Loomis Easement, THTLT has permanently protected over 5,200 acres within the Tug Hill Region.