MIDDLETOWN - The historic Kezialain Farm in the Town of Minisink will forever remain a working farm and valuable open space, as one of the latest farms earmarked to receive funds through Orange County’s Open Space Plan. The Orange County Land Trust will be responsible for the placement of a conservation easement on the 166-acre organic beef and hay farm, and for the stewardship of the property in perpetuity.

The county legislature voted to authorize the acquisition of the farm’s development rights with funds from the county’s 2008 Open Space Program.  The legislature had recently voted to suspend the program for 2009, citing budgetary restraints, with hopes to resume it the following year.

“Although the program is on hold for next year, land preservation continues to be an important issue valued by our county executive and legislature,” said Land Trust Executive Director James Delaune.   

Kezialain Farm has been farmed since the 1700’s.  Owned by the Lain family, it is located along the Tunkamoose Creek and is within the Wallkill River Watershed.  The property also abuts the Land Trust’s Laurel Hill Preserve and Minisink Town Park, providing contiguous open space for wildlife habitat.  The federally endangered Indiana bat makes its home on these properties.