Bennett-Pelissier ~ 127 acres, Caswell County

• Vann Bennett and Bernadette Pelissier. Donation of Conservation Easement.

Vann Bennett and his wife, Bernadette Pelissier, were drawn to acquire this 127-acre property just south of the Dan River by its openness and natural features.  Previously an active farm, this property provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals including wild turkey, neotropical songbirds, white-tailed deer, and squirrels.  The former hayfields provide critical early successional habitat, or open, grassy habitat, while the surrounding mixed forest provides necessary cover and shelter.  An unnamed tributary of the Dan River meanders through the forest adding to the overall diversity of this property.  Recognizing the conservation values present on this property and wanting to ensure that this property was protected the Bennett-Pelissier Family inquired with the North Carolina Nature Conservancy regarding long-term protection options for their property.  The Nature Conservancy referred them to their regional land trust, PLC.

In 2000, the Bennett-Pelissier easement became PLC’s first conservation project to be completed in Caswell County. The landowners reserved the right to build a home in a designated area and to manage the forestland in a sustainable manner. The easement terms prohibit industrial and commercial development, subdivision of the property, and other activities that would negatively impact the open space character, wildlife habitat, agricultural soils, and scenic value of the property.

Project funding provided by the landowner and PLC.

http://www.piedmontland.org/2006 Project Initiative Summaries/Bennett Pelissier/bennettpelissier.htm