(Host) A new federal program to conserve grassland in the U.S. has made its first purchase in Vermont.
Consider Bardwell Farm, in West Pawlet, has sold its development rights to a conservation program administered jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Farm Service Agency.
Officials say the voluntary program is aimed at helping landowners to protect grazing uses by conserving grasslands.
Mary Sturgeon is with the U.S.D.A.’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Sturgeon says that, while the U.S.D.A. has often conserved wetlands and farmland in Vermont, this is the first time it’s procured grassland.
(Sturgeon) "It emphasizes the support for working grazing operations, to enhance the plant and animal biodiversity of the land, protection of the grassland, the shrubs and forbs that are found there."
(Host) Consider Bardewll Farm is a 300 acre property with more than 100 dairy goats and an artisan cheese making operation that has won national acclaim.