In 2001, three "Partnership Communities" were chosen as a result of a competitive open application process: Yolo, Merced and Stanislaus Counties.

The three counties are able to access the ATP funds for conservation-related transactions. Transaction types will include, but not be limited to, easements, fee title purchase and resale, purchase options on land and purchase of subdivision map entitlements. The ATP will grant up to 50% of the cash portion of transactions. Successes of these three counties will create new models for agricultural land conservation, and will encourage creative efforts elsewhere.

• City of Davis, County of Yolo and LAFCO have farmland mitigation policies.

• "Gaining Ground" --bring about a cooperative effort for the purpose of developing a common plan to protect agriculture, habitat, and open space lands in the County.

• Local funding sources totaling $1,100,000.*

• Key element to protecting farmland is a strong economic climate for agricultural products--streamlined permitting process for direct marketing of ag products and vertical integration.

• Visioning Process 2000 involved 9 cities and the county. Addresses ag land protection.

• Agreement with cities on development. The City of Turlock will not extend urban services north of Taylor Road and the County will not allow development other than that permitted in an Agriculture zone. The City of Patterson and the County have agreed to allow economic development projects within the Sperry Road Corridor. Lands outside the corridor will be kept in agriculture

• County-wide Agricultural Preservation Strategies Committee (CAPS). The cities and the County developed a cooperative strategy for the preservation of ag resouces and mitigation of ag land loss.

• Constructive dialogue exists with the Building Industry Association.

• Developed and plan to use the LESA model to evaluate lands. Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) is a numerical system that measures the quality of farmland.

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