CEA 02-28-13 Meeting AgendaConservation Easement Authority Page - 180 -
October 25, 2012
MEETING MINUTES
OF THE
FREDERICK COUNTY CONSERVATION EASEMENT AUTHORITY
Held in the Executive Session Room of the Frederick County Administration Building at 107 North
Kent Street in Winchester, Virginia on October 25, 2012 at 8:00 a.m.
PRESENT: Diane Kearns, Chairman; Robert Solenberger; Todd Lodge; Ron Clevenger; Gene Fisher,
Board of Supervisors Liaison; and Charles Triplett, Planning Commission Liaison.
ABSENT: Elaine Cain, Treasurer; John Marker; and Jeff Green.
STAFF PRESENT: Eric R. Lawrence, CEA Secretary; and Bev Dellinger, Secretary III.
OTHER: Emily Warner of Potomac Conservancy.
PUBLIC MEETING:
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. May 24, 2012 and September 27, 2012 Meeting Minutes
On a motion made by Mr. Triplett and seconded by Mr. Lodge, the May 24, 2012 and September
27, 2012 minutes were approved as presented.
3. Viewing of The Last Crop by Charles Schultz
The documentary film The Last Crop examines how one family’s mission to preserve their
small working farm’s existence for future farmers is challenging the status quo of farmland
conservation and farm succession policies within California’s 36 billon dollar agricultural
industry. The CEA is viewing the documentary in order to decide whether it would be a useful
tool in educating the public about land conservation.
This documentary deals not only with land conservation issues, but it also personalizes financial
and family struggles when the extended family doesn’t want to continue farming and it brings up
the concept for community supported agriculture.
Some members felt this film, at 73 minutes, was too long and not especially relevant to Virginia
farmers. It was suggested that the CEA look into the possibility of making their own video,
highlighting local people and crops.
Some members also felt the film was long, but that it held their attention and that the locale
wasn’t as important as the message – farm land is disappearing.
It was decided that Chairman Kearns will contact Mr. Charles Schultz about a condensed version
of the documentary, as well as work with Mr. Fisher regarding enlisting Shenandoah University
students who may be interested in producing a local documentary on conservation issues.
Conservation Easement Authority Page - 181 -
October 25, 2012
4. Next Meeting Date
November 29, 2012
5. Other
Chairman Kearns reminded members that the Valley Conservation Council Meet-and-Greet is
being held this Saturday, October 27th, at Belle Grove.
Conservation Partners will hold another joint meeting with Frederick and Shenandoah County
early in 2013. Chairman Kearns will let members know when a specific date and time has been
determined.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________
Diane Kearns, Chairman
____________________________________
Eric R. Lawrence, CEA Secretary