Farmland Conservation

Preserving Our Future

Investing in farmland preservation

Farmland Preservation Fund

ARCD and allies advocated for and supported the TN legislature’s passage of the 2025 Farmland Preservation Fund. It will ensure state funding to incentivize farmers to place their farms under permanent protection.

Connecting seekers and Land

TN FarmLink

TN FarmLink connects farmers who are looking for land with land owners who are seeking to transfer land via lease, sale or other arrangements for more affordable land access across the state of Tennessee.

workshops for women

Women Preserving Farmland for the Future

Given the average life expectancy of men vs. women, it is not surprising that women own over half of the farmland ibn the United States. In this program women are given the knowledge, tools and resources necessary for starting the conversation with their families about farmland transition planning.

Water Conservation

Watershed Restoration

ARCD focuses on priority watersheds, supporting landowners to implement best practices in good times, and helping rebuild in times of disaster, such as the active long term recovery after Hurricane Helene, all to make waterways more resilient in the face of environmental disasters.

“In the past, govt. agencies typically used “hard bank” techniques which often just passed the pollution problem downstream. In Roan Creek we used innovative Natural Channel methods. Not only does this stabilize the bank to prevent landowners from losing more land, it creates trout and aquatic habitat, and reduces sediment.” Adam Williams, Brushy Fork Environmental Consulting. 

firewise mitigation for communities in rural areas

Building Wildfire-Resilient Communities

by RC&D | Aug 9, 2021

Supporting 19 NE Tennessee communities in their efforts to build communities that are more resilient in the face of wildfire.

The Appalachian RC&D Council’s FIREWISE program empowers communities to reduce wildfire risks through the Firewise USA® initiative. It offers education, fire-resistant construction guidance, and grants up to $20,000 for hazard mitigation and $6,000 for equipment. By fostering preparedness and collaboration, the program enhances resilience in wildfire-prone areas.