As the clock ticked down in 2024, the Lands Legacy Program marked a historic achievement, celebrating 25 years of conserving Orange County’s most significant natural and cultural resources. In the final business hours of December 31, 2024, program staff finalized a 31-acre conservation easement in southwestern Orange County. This milestone brought the total land conserved through the program’s conservation easement component to an impressive 3,004 acres, surpassing the 3,000-acre mark.
Since its inception in 2000, the Lands Legacy Program has worked tirelessly to preserve critical landscapes. Its conservation easement initiative is especially diverse, with 2,329 acres of farmland across 28 farms permanently protected to ensure agriculture remains a vibrant part of Orange County’s economy and cultural heritage. These efforts help farmers invest in their land while safeguarding valuable farmland for future generations.
The program also includes “Forever Wild” easements, designed to preserve natural ecosystems and provide opportunities for low-impact recreation. The recent easement places permanent protection on over 2,300 linear feet of stream corridor in the Jordan Lake Watershed. These lands will remain in their natural state, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
“The Lands Legacy Program exemplifies Orange County’s commitment to conservation,” said Christian Hirni, Land Conservation Manager. “Reaching the 3,000-acre milestone highlights the dedication of our team and the community to preserving the unique landscapes that define our region.”
Residents interested in learning more about conservation easements or the Lands Legacy Program are encouraged to contact Christian Hirni at 919-245-2514 or via email at chirni@orangecountync.gov.
Photo caption: The recent easement places permanent protection on over 2,300 linear feet of stream corridor in the Jordan Lake Watershed.
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For Media Inquiries:
Kristin Prelipp, Public Information Officer
kprelipp@orangecountync.gov
(office) 919.245.2322