For generations, the Rawson Farm has been an agricultural fixture on Cilley Hill Road within the towns of Jericho and Underhill. Acres of scenic, open meadow stretch over town lines with two barns, one in each town. Milking continues with a herd of 50 cows. JULT is pleased to be working with Burton Rawson and the Vermont Land Trust to conserve 100 acres of farm property in Jericho. The expectation is that Underhill’s parcel of 206 acres will follow. Due to the high value of the land, dividing the parcels for grant writing and fundraising purposes was important.
Deborah Rawson writes in her book, “Without a Farmhouse Near” that “In 1975, Jericho had 28 farms. Ten years later it had nine. By July 1988, three farms remained in Jericho.” Deborah’s book documents the decline of farming, a trend that continues to this day. Fortunately, this erosion has slowed with a concerted effort by farmers, land trusts, and a supportive community to protect our agricultural heritage. Saving our farms makes a powerful statement about our towns’ identity and future. Recent protections include the Riverside Meadow (2022), The Farm Upstream (2023), and the Davis Farm (2024). Now we need your help to conserve 100 acres of the Rawson Farm!
The Challenge
The appraised value of the Jericho parcel is $825,000. Burton Rawson has generously agreed to receive $125,000 less, which is called a bargain sale. The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) has approved $271,000 in funding, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has approved $412,500. JULT has committed to raising $20,000 and will request $10,000 from the Town of Jericho’s Conservation Reserve Fund to help pay for transaction costs. If all goes well, this land will be conserved by the end of this year. As in all conservation easements, Burton will continue to own and manage his farm, but with development restrictions and preserving its future agricultural use.
Since the early 1800s, the Rawson Farm has been a stalwart sign of our community’s diverse rural economy. This project offers a crucial opportunity to protect an iconic farm for today… and tomorrow. Won’t you help us meet this $20,000 goal?
Please support our effort to conserve the historic Rawson Farm by writing a check or donating online. Simply note that your contribution is for the Rawson Farm. JULT will include your annual membership with each donation, also.
Deborah Rawson writes, “When the market forces that are fueling Vermont’s development have shifted to another region, when the farmland that will cease to be farmed has been converted into a parking lot or a house or anything else that obscures the fact that good farmland---a valuable resource---has been lost, how much will be left of that landscape that has always been synonymous with Vermont?” Help protect what is possible. Please send your tax-deductible contribution today!