In early 2020, as COVID pushed people outdoors, our property suddenly became a trail for strangers wanting to explore new areas. The problem wasn’t just trespassing on our property—it was the 52 acres of Critical Area right behind us that had been scarred by decades of illegal hunting and off-road vehicles that now had become even more popular. 

We knew it needed protection and development was a looming threat, so we approached the owners about a possible purchase. Their asking price was far beyond our reach, but when they offered to subdivide, we saw a chance—maybe we couldn’t save it all, but we could save part.

We turned to Scenic Rivers Land Trust to learn how to navigate conservation easements and preservation law—entirely new ground for us.  If not for our partnership with this amazing non-profit this pursuit would have not been possible.

Negotiations dragged on for years. Halfway through, the sellers decided they wanted to build on the section we weren’t buying. For nearly four years, permits and engineering stalled their plans. Ironically, county regulations—so often a hurdle—became our ally. The sellers sank enormous amounts of money into engineering, only to face even more in required mitigation fees - they were ready to give up on the whole deal.

Recognizing their frustration, we made one last offer to buy it all.  Our hope was they would jump at the chance to get out from under the county's thumb and make some money rather than continue to spend it.

 

After almost five years of persistence, they agreed to our offer to buy it all..

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Today, the land is safe in perpetuity. It thrives as habitat for countless plants and animals, a living sanctuary against development. We are privileged to be its caretakers.