COOPERSVILLE, Mich. -- As West Michigan continues to grow, local farms are becoming more vulnerable to development. Thanks to federal funding, county initiatives and township support, farmers in certain areas are now able to apply to have their land permanently preserved.
On Thursday, the Hehl farm will become Ottawa County's first preserved farm. The Hehl farm has been recognized as a Michigan Centennial Farm and has been in the Hehl family for four generations.
The Hehls partnered up with multiple organizations within Ottawa County to make the preservation of their farm possible.
“It is permanent. It's a conservation easement where we permanently purchase the development rights," Paul Sachs, Director of Ottawa County Planning & Performance Improvement explains.
Through a combination of federal and state grands, along with private donations, the Hehls will receive compensation for not being able to sell their land for development.
“It’s just really neat, that the farm is going to be farmland. For the Hehl ancestors, it means a lot," Amy Hehl told FOX 17.
A special sign unveiling ceremony will take place at the Hehl farm this Thursday.
