An Ithaca-based organization has secured an unique conservation agreement on land in Cayuga County.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust announced the arrangement for 86 acres of Skaneateles Lake watershed property in Niles. This includes an area near Bear Swamp Creek with nearly 3,000 feet of frontage.

The conservation agreement marks a shift in focus to maintain that creek area.

Jack and Janet Lowe, of Ithaca, agreed to a legal arrangement that allows them to own and continue to manage the land, but the couple is limited in developing or building structures on the property. The contract aims to maintain the natural features of the property located just outside of New Hope. The site includes fields, woodlands and extensive wetlands.

The nonprofit organization has also acquired land in the area over the years, trust Executive Director Andrew Zepp said.

“The Bear Swamp Creek corridor has been a priority,” he said.

The arrangement will help maintain high water quality for Skaneateles Lake. The creek is one of the largest tributaries of the lake, Zepp said. Besides water quality, the conservation effort will assist the ecosystem to maintain the natural features and habitats.

The conservation easements will set limits for future development, which means less chances for negative impacts on the water quality, he said.

“This represents a shift in sorts for us,” he said.

The organization was focused on acquiring land near Carpenter's Falls and High Vista Nature Preserve area. Now they are emphasizing this arrangement that allows private ownership to the community.

“We are looking at conserving land near the lake shore, where there is undeveloped land, and land that overlooks Skaneateles Lake. This is the first in what we hope will be a series of land conservation easements,” Zepp said.

Public education will play a part in gaining more land in the trust, he added. The agency will host a series of public workshops in the spring and summer. Representatives will discuss the program, as well as incentives such as state and federal tax benefits.

This is the 58th such arrangement the organization entered into, but the first involving the Skaneateles Lake Watershed.

The Lowes said they didn't want to see their property changed from development, and know the agreement will preserve the character of their community.

“This is an outstanding project,” Zepp said. “This property is particularly significant in terms of its value for fish and wildlife habitat as well as watershed protection. We're very grateful to Jack and Janet Lowe for their wonderful commitment to the land and the community.”

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net

To learn more

Additional information about the Finger Lakes Land Trust and conservation easements may be found on the Web sites www.fllt.org or call the Ithaca office at (607) 275-9487.