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Michigan Department of Agriculture


The Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act enables farm owners to enter into a development rights Agreement with the State that ensures that farmland is used for agriculture for a minimum of 10 years and ensures that the land is not developed in non-agricultural use.
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Farmland Preservation Program (formerly P.A. 116)
The Farmland Preservation Program fosters preservation of farmland and open space through agreements between the Sate and a landowner. These agreements are entered into voluntarily by a landowner and place temporary restrictions on the land while preserving it for agriculture. This agreement is made in exchange for tax benefits and exemptions for various special assessments.

Agriculture Preservation Fund
The Agricultural Preservation Fund is a fund established to provide grants to eligible local units of government to help implement Purchase of Development Rights programs. These programs help support local efforts to preserve farmland.

Conservation Easement
The State of Michigan utilizes conservation easements, in order to restrict development on privately owned imperative land across Michigan. These easements are voluntary and legally recorded agreements between the landowner and the State (or land conservancy) that place restrictions on the development of the land which are held into perpetuity.

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
In effort to supplement conservation practices regarding soil erosion, water quality, and wildlife habitat, critical to Michigan and the nation alike, Michigan is partnering with the Federal government to incentivize participation. Farmers and landowners who participate in this program will receive reimbursement for establishing practices, incentive payments for sign up, and rental payments for the length of the contract.


Heart of the Lakes strengthens the collective efforts of organizations dedicated to the conservation of Michigan’s environmentally and economically significant land and water. We provide leadership, innovative ideas, and advocate for smart public policy for the benefit of our communities and for generations to come.
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Heart of the Lakes
PO Box 1128
Bay City, MI  48706
Heart of the Lakes is a statewide organization that concentrates and strengthens the efforts of Michigan’s land conservation community. Founded by Michigan’s land conservancies, Heart of the Lakes does what no individual organization can do on its own-- unites them under the common goal of protecting Michigan’s land. 

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Heart of the Lakes
P.O. Box 1128 Bay City, MI  48706
989-292-3582

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