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Q & A
about the Bradford Conservation Fund
Q: Who established the Bradford Conservation Fund? When?
A: The Bradford Conservation Commission established the Conservation Fund
in 2003, in accordance with VT Statute 24, Chapter 118, and in keeping with
the Bradford Municipal Plan that stated “Protection of Bradford’s natural resources is
considered vital to the security of its economic future and cultural heritage.”
b) VHCB funds for farm conservation projects are equally matched by the USDA Farm
Protection Program.
• Pay for costs not covered by grant applications, i.e. surveys, appraisals, legal fees
The Bradford Conservation Fund has covered ½ the cost of appraisals specified for
conservation projects on 4 different privately owned parcels since 2007.
• Pay deposits for Purchase & Sales Agreements
• Make outright grants of up to $1000 to Bradford educational, youth and civic
organizations for conservation projects that meet the specified criteria.
Q: Where has the money come from that is in Bradford’s Conservation Fund?
A: $5,000 has been allocated to the Conservation Fund by the voters at Town Meeting in each
of the following years: 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010. (In 2009, this averaged about $0.30/per
month per taxpayer) $2,500 was allocated at 2011 Town Meeting.
The Conservation Fund Committee of the Bradford Conservation Commission has also
conducted fund-‐‑raising activities since the Conservation Fund was created, with each
year’s proceeds surpassing the previous year. In 2010 over $18,000 was raised by the
Conservation Fund Committee.
Q: Why should taxpayer money be allocated annually to the Conservation Fund?
A: 1) We all benefit from conserved lands. They provide clean air, clean water, access to
wholesome outdoor recreation, educational opportunities, wildlife habitat, managed
timber harvests and food security via protecting fertile soil.
2) Making smaller deposits regularly into the Conservation Fund is much more
manageable than providing for a larger allocation in a year when a specific land
conservation opportunity presents itself.
3) Trailhead guest books reveal that visitors to our public hiking trails have come from
many other VT and NH towns, from at least 16 other States and even from 4 other
countries. It is safe to assume that many of those people contribute to our local
economy by purchasing gas, food and other goods.
4) Preserving our rural landscape preserves the cultural and environmental heritage that
makes Vermont unique.*
*The November/December 2009 issue of National Geographic Traveler Magazine announced the
results of a “Sustainable Destination” survey that compared 133 world-‐‑wide travel destinations.
Vermont ranked 5th in the WORLD as a sustainable destination.
The following are published quotes from that survey:
"More than any American state, Vermont has worked to preserve those qualities1 that make it unique,
such as scenic countryside, lively small towns, historic streetscapes, local businesses”
“A tourist magnet in summer, it nonetheless never seems overrun by visitors.”
“Vermont scores well for "environmental- and social-sustainability practices."
“If you want to see New England as you imagine it, go to Vermont.”
1
Bradford’s Conservation Fund works to preserve those qualities