THE LAND CONSERVANCY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Case Study: The Frank Family, Hidden springs Farm

Overview/History

Conversations between the Franks and the Land Conservancy began a decade ago with continued family discussions, strategy sessions, and financial planning, and before the Frank family was prepared to act. Fred and Pat Frank are committed to a lifestyle of self-sufficiency, energy independence, and environmental and economic sustainability. The entire Frank family believed in the permanent protection of the land that had supported their ancestors and would continue to provide for future generations.

Agency Collaboration

• City of Atascadero

Property Description and Location

Hidden Springs is made up of 55 acres of mixed agricultural and natural areas. Site includes one mile of Graves Creek, a tributary to Salinas River; diverse oak woodlands; a sustainable Christmas tree farm and small organic garden; a cultural institution that serves as the local vendor of Christmas trees; and the last agriculturally zoned property within the limits of the City of Atascadero.

City of Atascadero along Graves Creek, at the corner of Monterey Road and Graves Creek Road.

Conservation Tools Used

• Conservation easement (donated by landowner)
• Land conservation tax incentive
• GIS mapping / baseline report

Our Goal

Keep the land intact and in the family Estate and financial planning (help offset a one-time income event) Fulfill landowner's conservation ethic

The Challenge / Special Considerations

Keep a family farm that has been worked for multiple generations economically viable by reducing land value and taxes while simultaneously achieving the donors' mission to permanently protect their land from future development or degradation. Within the 55 acres protected by the conservation agreement were 18 legal lots; each could have been developed as a home site. Encroachment of development along neighboring properties was a significant threat to the landowners (a farm surrounded by a city).

The site is home to an operating, family-owned tree farm with a fifty-year history. The landowners wanted to focus on economic sustainability and energy sustainability/self-sufficiency over the long term.

Actions

• Mapping & site inventory (established baseline report)
• Site survey and analysis (define agricultural area versus natural areas)
• Negotiated the legal conservation easement documents
• Coordinated the appraisal and facilitated tax benefits
• Long-term monitoring

Results

The Land Conservancy helped a local farming family preserve their land, keeping it intact and in the hands of the next generation without burdening them with major taxes. The Land Conservancy will continue to monitor the site per a voluntary agreement with the property owner. The Franks will continue to use the land for their tree farm operation and small organic garden. Fred Frank's granddaughter is now involved in raising crops and livestock, marking the fourth generation to work the land. The Franks are also considering expanding their sustainable energy-production options such as solar and wind-generators.