County visits, like the most recent one to County of Pincher Creek (above), were an important component of the Save the Edges campaign. It’s worth noting that the campaign learned as much from these visits as the counties from us. Some of the issues brought forth by these visits included:
- Right of ways can be leased or sold which the county or municipality manages upon approval of the Department of Transportation
- Counties have no mechanism to enforce the protection of these areas.
- Once a right-of-way has been trespass farmed, it is much cheaper and easier for a county to allow it to be farmed.
- Corporate farms tend to trespass farm more than small scale operators.
Overall, the response to Save the Edges was highly positive with great discussions taking place. We were presenting ideas and benefits that many of these counties have already started to think about. The best solution for all seems to be to keep these areas intact from the start. Once they are farmed, they are much more difficult to reclaim.
See Ag Services Conference, Visit to Ag Fieldmen and County Visits Have Started.
