Jun 06, 2011
Joint Finance Votes to Keep PACE, but Work Isn’t Done
The work of thousands of supporters of farmland protection across Wisconsin paid off when the Legislature's Joint Committee on Finance voted to keep the Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements Program (PACE) on the books.
The committee also voted to honor the state's commitment to the 16 PACE projects selected in the first-ever statewide selection process. Funding for those projects is to come from the state's Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund, under the amendment.
Gov. Scott Walker's budget called for wiping PACE off the books and not funding the first round of projects. The 16-0 vote by the committee to amend those budget recommendations is a clear reflection of the strong grassroots support for farmland protection across the state. Thank you for your efforts! It's proof that your voices can be heard.
On the not-so-good-news side, the committee voted to support the governor's recommendation and eliminate conversion fees assessed when land is rezoned from farmland protection zoning districts for development. Our position throughout the process was that the conversion fees should be modified but not eliminated. The fees served as a deterrent to developing land that local citizens had identified as prime farmland. The only group actively lobbying against the fees was the Wisconsin Association of Realtors.
We can legitimately claim some victories after the committee's actions. The 16-0 vote to preserve PACE and fund the first round of projects shows lawmakers in both parties understand the importance of farmland protection to the state's economy, rural communities and the environment.
But our work is not done. First, the governor could still line-item veto the committee's actions. We must strive to make sure the administration understands the importance of farmland protection.
While PACE stays on the books, it is to undergo a study by DATCP, including administration of the program, source of funding, state participation and local match. The motion also requires DATCP to include in the evaluation options "a replacement program that would be less costly and more efficient for preserving farmland." DATCP is to report its findings by June 30, 2012.
American Farmland Trust and its partners pledge to make sure the voices for a strong farmland protection program are at the table during this year-long review. We must continue this work, because you have made it clear to us that interest in farmland protection in Wisconsin has never been higher. Many of you gave of your own time, often on your own dime, to voice support for farmland protection. As farmland protection plans are updated in the state, your efforts will continue to bear fruit. We live to fight another day for what's right. Stay tuned.