Town of Chatham’s Agricultural Protection Plan
During Chatham’s recent comprehensive planning process, the
importance of farming to the economy, rural character, wildlife habitats,
and scenic views of the town was evidenced by the strong support and
interest voiced by citizens engaged in the process. Farming became a
separate component of the plan and a group of citizens served as the
steering committee for our participation as a pilot site for the Glynwood
Center’s Keep Farming program, drafting the comprehensive plan
recommendations, and creating this Agricultural Protection Plan.
Throughout the planning process, great effort was made to include the
town’s farming community and other interested parties. The Chatham
Agricultural Partnership was created to provide oversight of the planning
process. Draft plans, farmland prioritization maps, and other
documents were regularly reviewed with the larger farming community.
We believe that this plan represents and protects the citizens’ interest in
preserving our town as a viable agricultural community.
