East Hudson Valley News

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has announced that the county's Partnership for Manageable Growth (PMG) has preserved over 5,000 acres of farmland since its inception in 1999. This milestone was reached with the acquisition of a 143-acre easement at Obercreek Farm in Wappinger, highlighting Dutchess County's dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

The PMG was established 25 years ago to balance economic growth with environmental preservation. It funds land or development rights acquisitions to protect farmland and open spaces, aiding farmers, landowners, and local conservancies. The goal is to maintain active agricultural production through conservation easements.

Obercreek Farm is the 29th project completed under the PMG. The program aligns with the Dutchess County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan from 1998, aiming to preserve rural character and natural beauty. Overall, PMG has protected 39 projects worth over $42 million across Dutchess County. Funding for Obercreek Farm included $481,981 from PMG, $1,442,378 from New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and $6,000 from the Dutchess Land Conservancy.

Certified as an organic farm by the USDA, Obercreek Farm produces vegetables, herbs, flowers, and hops for its store and brewery. The property has been family-owned since the 1850s and remains one of the few active farms in Wappinger.

Land preservation through PMG also supports Dutchess County's agricultural industry economically by protecting land from future development.

More information about PMG can be found on the Department of Planning & Development’s webpage: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Planning/Partnership-for-Manageable-Growth.htm.