Randolph. Frank, Jane, and Dave Pinello. Conservation easement sale. 242 acres.

Frank, Jane, and Dave Pinello started their 242-acre dairy farm 20 years ago, when they began building their herd up from scratch. Today, the Pinellos own 170 milking cows as well as young stock. After many years of contemplating permanent conservation of their farm, they decided the right time had come and they sold a conservation easement, including an Option to Purchase at Agricultural Value, which ensures the property will always remain an affordable farm. The Pinellos have been carefully readying the farm for the next generation of family members. A few years ago they began to replace their dairy infrastructure by completing the first half of a new freestall barn. The Town of Randolph, which has been a  strong advocate of its vibrant farms for many years, contributed $10,000 from the town conservation fund towards this effort. Funded by VHCB and Town of Randolph. (August)

The Pinello family is readying their newly conserved dairy farm for the next generation of family members.

13. Family and Town Band Together to Create the Virginia Stranahan Town Forest

Marshfield. Stranahan Trust. Discounted purchase, conveyance, and land sale. 630 acres.

Virginia “Dinny” Stranahan dearly loved her land in Vermont. In 1983, she conserved her 210-acre farm, enabling its subsequent sale as a conserved farm. Shortly thereafter, she indicated her interest in conserving an adjacent 630  acres of mostly forested land. However, she became ill and was not able to complete the conservation process before her death. Ownership of the property was then transferred to the Stranahan Trust. In 2006, the family decided it was time to sell the property, and after considerable thought, embraced the idea of selling the land to create a town forest in honor of their mother. Demonstrating incredible generosity, the family sold the property to VLT at an enormously discounted price. Funding for the purchase was provided by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board and more than 100 local contributors. VLT then conveyed over 620 acres to the town of Marshfield for the new Virginia Stranahan Town Forest. Additionally, four acres and a house were sold to the long-term tenant subject to covenants that establish the house as permanent affordable housing. Funded by VHCB and individual donors. (October)

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