Heritage Conservancy recently assisted in the preservation of 219 acres of farmland in Nockamixon Township, Bucks County. Located on Durham Nox Road, the Caccavo property is one of the largest farms ever preserved in Bucks County, and it will now be protected in perpetuity.
All farms that apply for agricultural preservation are ranked annually according to numerous criteria, including acreage, contribution to regional water quality, soil quality, and adjacency with other preserved lands. Because of its high agricultural values, the Caccavo property, which is a working farm that produces corn and soybeans, was listed as a priority preservation project by Bucks County and the State of Pennsylvania.
Dave and Roxanne Caccavo are no strangers to preservation. Just last year, they preserved 70 acres of farmland in Durham Township, directly across the street from their 219-acre farm. The Caccavos have now preserved nearly 300 acres of contiguous land in Bucks County.
Lifelong New Yorkers, Mr. and Mrs. Caccavo “found” Bucks County almost thirty years ago on trips to visit Dave’s sister, who lived outside of Washington Crossing. They hold a strong affinity for open space, and they understand its importance. By preserving land, they are ensuring that the Bucks County they discovered three decades ago is the same Bucks County that will be found by future generations.
Heritage Conservancy will cohold the easement with Bucks County Agricultural Land Preservation Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Bucks County and the State of Pennsylvania funded the majority of the project. Heritage Conservancy’s financial support came from an Open Space Institute (OSI) grant.
OSI supported the Caccavo Farm through an approximately $100,000 grant from its Bayshore-Highlands Fund, capitalized by the William Penn Foundation. The Fund was created to support projects that accelerate strategic land conservation in the New Jersey Bayshore and the Pennsylvania Highlands. OSI supported protection of the Caccavo Farm due to its high-quality headwater streams and its supporting role in maintaining the agricultural heritage and beautiful rural views of northern Bucks County.
“By protecting drinking water, preventing development and promoting economic opportunity for farmers, this project is a win-win for so many in the community,” said OSI Executive Vice President Peter Howell. “The Caccavos are a shining example of how to achieve a balance in the protection of agricultural and natural resources.”
“While all land preservation projects are important, a project this large, this complicated, and that has such a major and long-lasting effect on the community, is particularly rewarding when it finally comes to fruition. We are all truly proud to have been part of it,” said Jeff Marshall, President of Heritage Conservancy.