The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) has expanded its conservation efforts by planting nearly 400 trees and shrubs on a 160-acre easement in Scipio, a move aimed at preserving Owasco Lake’s quality.
FLLT staff and volunteers were hands-on, establishing vegetation along a 5,000-foot tributary flowing into the lake. Acquired in January 2023, the easement restricts property development and mandates the upkeep of vegetated stream buffers. These conservation efforts are especially vital considering Owasco Lake supplies drinking water to over 40,000 Cayuga County residents, encompassing Auburn city.
Supported by New York’s Environmental Protection Fund and the NYS Conservation Partnership Program, this initiative will foster wildlife habitats, bolster plant diversity, and create essential stream buffers to curb nutrient runoff. While primarily an agricultural expanse, this property offers breathtaking views of Owasco Lake and landmarks like FLLT’s Owasco Bluffs Nature Preserve.
Conservation easements, like the one on this property, are vital legal tools voluntarily restricting future land uses to prioritize conservation. Despite such restrictions, these lands remain privately owned, taxable, and adaptable for traditional activities like farming. Championing this approach, the FLLT has shielded over 30,000 acres in the Finger Lakes region, encompassing undeveloped lakeshores, forests, and scenic farmlands. Further details about the FLLT and the region’s outdoor attractions are available at their respective websites: www.fllt.org and www.gofingerlakes.org.
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