WEST OLIVE, MI (WHTC) – A 3.9 acre hog and cattle farm known as The Hehl farm in Polkton Township, is the first farm permanently preserved by the Ottawa County Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program.
The PDR Program preserves farmland through the purchase and donation of development rights for actively farmed property. It is the program’s mission to preserve the scenic, environmental, and economic benefits that farms and farmland provide to their local communities and beyond according to the Agricultural Preservation Board.
The farm in Coopersville is owned Matt and Amy Hehl and is also a certified centennial farm. PDR is a volunteer program where landowners still own the land and maintain rights associated with it. Landowners receive compensation for the development potential of the land. The program is funded entirely through private donations, contributions from foundations, and state and federal grants.
To commemorate this achievement, The Ottawa County Agricultural Preservation Board is holding a sign unveiling on September 29, at 4:30 p.m. Guest Speaker will be Carl Bednarski, President of the Michigan Farm Bureau. A picnic will be held immediately after. Registration is required by September 22. Call 616-738-4852, email or RSVP at website.
The Hehl Farm is located at 14468 88th Avenue in Coopersville, Michigan.
