Until any acquisition is legally complete, it will not be listed or mentioned on our website. However, we have a few properties in town identified as desirable for preservation and we are pursuing them in a variety of ways.
MacDonald Road Property
As our first acquisition, this small 4-acre parcel, which was donated to the Trust in 2006, became quite an asset when it was used as collateral in the process of acquiring the Gateway Property in 2007. This property is proof that every effort to preserve open space, large or small, is worth consideration.
Gateway to the Airline Trail
This 18-acre piece of property has significant frontage on the Airline Trail, and abuts the Salmon River State Forest. The purchase of this property by the Colchester Land Trust in 2007 preserves the integrity of the Airline Trail for thousands of hikers, bikers, cross country skiers and horseback riders who frequent the trail. Our public fundraising campaign proves the power and resolve of residents and trust members to raise funds for important pieces of property. The purchase was initiated with a down payment from the Trust’s acquisition fund. $80,000 was raised through private donations and fundraising events. The Trust accepted a no-interest loan from the Norcross Foundation to complete the transaction. The loan has been paid in full with a $95,000 grant from DEP and a $20,000 grant from the Bafflin Foundation. Read thank you letter to donors.
River Road Conservation Easement
This 62-acre property, currently under forestry and agricultural use, is now permanently protected from development according to an easement donated to the Colchester Land Trust in 2007 by owner, Toney Palakewitz. This beautiful piece of land is part of the ten-town Salmon River Watershed and the easement establishes permanent natural corridors close to state land. This property affects the daily quality of life for all who pass it on River Road or Route 2, and the easement also protects the view of the wooded Jeremy River Valley from the north for generations to come.
Colchester Land Trust Receives Conservation Easement Donation of 62 Acres
Dec. 27, 2007 – The Colchester Land Trust has received its first conservation easement, just under a federal, 2007 deadline.
The donor, Toney Palakewitz, always wanted to conserve his land, having purchased 62 acres, including a pond, from a failed developer in the late ‘70s. There’s excitement today, when he describes photos of bobcats on his land to those attending the easement signing. He wants them to stay around forever.
The property is 62 acres, surrounded by stonewalls, ponds, currently under forestry and agricultural use. It is part of the ten-town Salmon River watershed, a recent focus of The Nature Conservancy. “This easement donation is a significant link to protected land, exactly in the middle of the ten town project,” says Shelley Green of TNC. While the easement does not allow public access, it guarantees permanent, natural corridors, close to state land and permanently protecting 62 wooded acres from development. “Mr. Palakewitz can sell the property but the conservation easement remains with the land perpetually,” says Lisa Hageman, president of the Trust.
“Toney’s situation is similar other land owners in Colchester, who recognize their land means something to the community. At the same time, the Trust recognizes an owner’s need for a return.” Hageman suggests landowners discuss options with legal and financial experts as well as contact the Trust to learn more.
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Colchester Land Trust gave Toney options he liked. Unique tax laws that potentially lowered his AGI, for 15 years. He liked knowing his tax savings directly benefited his town and helped keep property taxes lower too. It was a win for everyone.
Attorney for the trust, Rob Avena said, “Everyone in the Trust worked hard getting the details together by the end of the year. An easement allows an owner to continue to own and sell land, but it permanently protects it from further development. The subsequent devaluation becomes a significant donation to a nonprofit such as the Colchester Land Trust.”
“Traveling north on Cato Corner Rd., the view of the wooded Jeremy River valley is protected because of this donation,” said Chuck Toal, board member of the trust. “It has a long term impact for everyone and for generations to come. Thousands pass the north end of the protected property on Rt. 2 every day, (Between exits 15 and 16 heading east, south side of Rt. 2, just east of Blackledge River crossing,) This has a significant impact on our daily quality of life.”
“The Trust wishes to express their deep appreciation on behalf of the community. Mr. Palakewitz kindly gave his generous donation for everyone’s benefit,” said Hageman. A gift that Toney hopes others could consider.
See map - 62-acre easement donated to the trust can be seen from Rt. 2 as well as the north side of River Rd., Colchester.