Hoffman introduces HB 419, The Land Stewardship Bill
Representative Charlie Hoffman who served as the last chairman of the Land Stewardship Task Force has introduced HB 419, the first phase of the Task Forces’ legislative recommendation for a Land Stewardship program for the Commonwealth. This bill will create a Land Stewardship trust fund within the treasury to receive monies generated by the next, funding phase of the Task Forces’ recommendation. The monies will be automatically divided between the Purchase of Agricultural Easements (PACE) program and the Kentucky Heritage Conservation Fund. The bill will also increase the membership of the Heritage Land Conservation Fund Board by two people, one being the director of the state Division of Forestry and the other a representative from a private land trust organization. This second appointment coincides with a change to the mandate of the Heritage Land Conservation Fund to accept grant applications from private, non-profit land trusts and conservation organizations. This expansion of the Boards’ mandate will allow for greater participation by the many private land trusts and PDR groups in Heritage Land fund projects. This is an important first step. Next session we will be seeking a long-term and significant source of funds for Land Conservation in the state and we will need everyone on board. It’s been a long process, but we are beginning to see increasing interest in a well funded program. HB 419 has been sent to the Appropriations and Revenue committee. Please leave an email message for Representative Rick Rand and ask him to hear this bill in committee and help move it through the process. {Rick.Rand@lrc.ky.gov}