Preservation of the rural character of Logan County.
According to the American Farmland Trust, 2,000 acres of agricultural land are converted everyday nationwide. Please join us in preserving what remains for future generations.
The Logan County Land Trust (LCLT) is a 501C-3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the agricultural landscapes of Logan and surrounding counties. Since 2004, we have tirelessly worked as an all-volunteer team, fostering partnerships, educating communities, and implementing conservation strategies to ensure the sustainability of our region.
Help us shape a sustainable tomorrow for Logan County!
The Logan County Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that works with private landowners to preserve agricultural and natural lands in Logan County.
Landowners continue to own and manage their land, and can sell or pass it on to their heirs. No matter who owns the land, though, a permanent conservation easement will assure that conservation values remain protected – prime and productive soils, water resources and high quality habitat.
The LCLT is a Certified Local Sponsor of the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP) and the USDA-NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Since 2004 the Trust has sponsored county landowners who make application to the programs. The programs allow landowners to voluntarily sell easements on their farms to the state and USDA. The easement requires the farm remain permanently in agricultural production.
The mission of Logan County Land Trust is to preserve farmland, scenic open space and natural areas to protect the rural character of Logan County; and to foster the long-term sustainability of the agricultural economy and farming as a way of life.
Our future is rooted in effectively communicating our mission to all landowners and individuals. Land is not merely soil; it is a community to which we belong. Managed land and efficient land use mean success for future generations and the continuation of life as we know it today.
Since our inception 20 years ago, LCLT has safeguarded a total of 3,650 acres under Agricultural Easements, thanks to the collaboration of 23 different landowners. This initiative has injected $4 million into the Logan County economy, allowing landowners to alleviate debt, invest in farm inputs, and promote the expansion of agricultural operations. Presently, we are actively working with 5 landowners on 8 new agricultural easements, adding an additional 780 acres to our protected lands with easement payments nearing an additional $2,000,000. This would bring the total economic impact to $6,000,000 for the county. These funds have been used by the landowners to reduce debt, purchase inputs on the farm (like equipment), and allow for expansion of agricultural operations.
Since 2004:
LCLT continues to meet and educate interested landowners about Farmland Preservation, provides instruction on the process, and monitors the State and Federal easement farms. The educational arm of LCLT has increased awareness of the public on land management practices of our environment and how agricultural, urban, and industrial growth may have consequences on our environment, water quality, and air quality, not to mention the positive benefits on mental health. Specific educational programs include:
LCLT takes pride in partnerships that extend beyond traditional boundaries. One significant collaboration is the Logan County Solid Waste District Carbon Footprint Project.
As we embrace the future, LCLT is diligently working on a Long-Term Management Plan and organizational structure. Our goal is to ensure that all directors and volunteers contribute to steering the path Logan County takes in the future. With the support of a generous donor, we continue the search for a part-time executive director to guide and strengthen our organization, enhancing our capabilities to serve the community.
The Logan County Land Trust members are land owners, farmers, conservationists, business professionals, educators, and other community members interested in preserving farmland, scenic open spaces, and other natural areas to maintain the integrity and rural character of Logan and surrounding counties.
Join Logan County Land Trust in our mission to preserve and protect our agricultural heritage. As Aldo Leopold eloquently stated, “When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”