Ten Ways this helps New Milford

Save New Milford's Ridge Road Farms
Our Farms are Our Future.

Saving Our Farms Means Saving Our Farmers ...

TEN WAYS THAT SAVING THE RIDGE ROAD FARMS HELPS NEW MILFORD

§ We can grow more fresh, healthy produce for our families

§ It lessens dependence on increasingly expensive long-distance food supplies

§ It provides more food security—you know where your food is grown!

§ Moderates rising property tax burdens by limiting residential sprawl that

leads to higher educational and infrastructure costs

§ Concentrates new growth toward the town’s existing infrastructure

§ Assists New Milford in reaching CT’s goal of 21% preserved open space

§ Expands agro-tourism, which provides economic benefits for farmers & town

§ Preserves that semi-rural feeling so cherished by residents as well as maintains

contiguous wildlife corridors

§ Strengthens New Milford’s link to its agricultural heritage for coming

generations

The Status of the Six Surviving Ridge Road Area Farms

New Milford has just under 2,500 acres of surviving prime or best-quality farmland soils. Less than 800 acres (6%) have been permanently preserved. The Ridge Road Farms represent the largest contiguous cluster of unpreserved farms in New Milford and include over 1,000+ acres with the one of the highest percentage of prime agricultural soils in southern Litchfield County. While over 50% of Ridge Area farms contain first rate agricultural soils, only about 20% of Litchfield County is comprised of these soil classifications.

“This cluster is one of just 68 that remain in the county of sufficient size and quality to have a chance of remaining viable farming communities.” Tim Abbott, Director, Litchfield Hills Greenprint

The surviving working farms in the Ridge Road area include Davenport, Harris Hill, and Reimerridge Farms. The Hipp and Kimberly Farms on Chestnutland Road (Route 109) are being farmed by families who may wish to continue into the next generation. The Chapin Farm has been purchased by a single individual who has continued to permit grazing on his lands.

How Do We Pay For Preserving The Ridge Road Farms?

State and Federal Purchase of Development Rights Program

Open Space Grants

USDA Farm Grants

Private Foundations

Concerned Neighbors and/or Private Individual Support

Entrepreneurial Capital

Municipal Bonding

Waste Management Fund

Municipal Open Space Fund