Agenda - 08-19-2010 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Fee simple acquisition State or local governments can purchase land outright to conserve particularly important land. Nonprofit land trusts can also purchase land to manage for eco- logical, cultural, or social reasons. The Arizona Land and Water Trust uses fee simple acquisition, along with voluntary conservation easements, to protect fragile and culturally important landscapes in southern Arizona.79 Agritourism and ecotourism Agritourism activities include farm visits and over- night stays at farm bed - and - breakfast operations. This may include the chance to help with farming and ranching tasks. Ecotourism targets an ecoconscious segment of the population that wants to engage in nature - related tourism on conservation lands while reducing the ecological footprint of their visit. Rural landowners can earn revenues from tourism activities on their land, including traditional recreational activi- ties such as hunting, fishing, and observing wildlife. Tourists are attracted to agritourism and ecotourism activities because they want to experience an intact rural landscape that is characterized by a meaning- ful sense of place. Oklahoma has capitalized on this interest in agritourism and ecotourism by forming the statewide Oklahoma Agritourism Association, which has more than 400 member farms and ranches that offer tours, pick - your -own events, and overnight stays.20 While agritourism and ecotourism can help protect the rural landscape, they are not viable when the character of the rural landscape is compromised. Ithaca, New York, is often described as "centrally isolated" in upstate New York. A metropolitan area of 100,000 people, surrounded by farmland and state parks, Ithaca provides an ideal market for local agricultural products as well as local arts and crafts. The city has an active "buy local" movement and supports the Ithaca Farmers' Market (IFM), which has a permanent pavilion for its 150 vendors, all of whom come from small towns and rural communities within a 30-mile radius of the city.' Along with the larger weekend market, the IFM sets up in downtown Ithaca twice a week and at a community center on Sunday afternoons. In addition to the variety of locations and times, which makes the market accessible, the vast majority of IFM vendors accept food stamps. IFM is incredibly successful, generating around $4 million in revenue per year. In addition 102 Putting Smart Growth to �Vork in Rural Communities 13 The Ithaca Farmers' Market in Ithaca, New York, has 150 ven- dors, all from within a 30 -mile radius of the city. Many vendors accept both food stamps and Ithaca Hours, the local currency. Strategy 1.c. Promote rural products in urban areas and support other urban -rural links Direct marketing to consumers Landowners can increase their profits by directly marketing their farm, ranch, or forestry products to consumers or markets. Community Supported Agricul- ture (CSA), for example, facilitates a creative partner- ship whereby, in exchange for purchasing shares during planting, CSA programs provide shareholders with regular, farm -fresh produce during the growing season. Shareholders often reside in urban centers. Farmers' markets, on the other hand, provide a venue for local farmers and artisans gather to sell their to IFM, there are 29 CSAs within a 60-mile radius of Ithaca and 41 within a 100 -mile radius ?Through CSAs and the farmers' market, Ithaca has created strong urban -rural connections that support the surrounding rural landscape and benefit the city. Ithaca has also adopted a local currency — "Ithaca Hours" — which can be used at the farmers' market and a number of local businesses. Ithaca Hours help ensure that money stays local and promote investment in the local economy.' i Ithaca Farmers' Market. "About Us." http:// www.ithacamarket.com /about-ifm/ history/ 2 Ecovian. "Ithaca CSA & Organic Food Delivery." http: / /www.ecovian.com /s? perpage =l0& distance= 60 &searchwithin= 40 &searchtext= &spatial= lthaca%2C +NY 3 Ithaca Hours. "What are Ithaca Hours ?" http: / /www.ithacahours.org /about.php s iu 0 0