Associated Press Published

Man Donates 206 Acres to Ensure it Remains Farmland

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A 91-year-old man has decided to donate 206 acres to the Berkeley County Farmland Protection Board to guarantee his property remains farmland.

The Journal reports after more than a year of paperwork and process, Robert Elwood Jr. and the Farmland Protection board of directors transferred the deed and solidified their partnership Monday as the donation became official.

Through the organization, landowners can voluntarily donate or be compensated for the placement of a conservation easement on their property to best ensure the land remains available for agricultural use.

Chairman of the Farmland Protection board Floyd Kursey says Elwood’s donation is by far the largest the organization has ever received.

Elwood says he acquired the farm, located in Opequon District, in 1956, and has been working on it since.