Today:

TOP JOBS Are you looking for a fun, energetic environment where you can use all of your skills? We ... TEST SCORERS Bachelors degree in any field required. Retirees are welcome. Scorers are hir...  [ View All Top Jobs ] TOP AUTOS FORD F 1990 Super Duty Dump truck, w/ hydraulic lift. Low actual miles, $3500. 313-382-123... TAURUS SE Sport 1999 moon roof, remote start, very clean, original owner, 99K miles, $4300...  [ View All Top Autos ] TOP HOMES BELLEVILLE 3 bedroom, 2 bath, Double Wide w/fireplace, 2 living rooms, central air, Washer... WYANDOTTE 518 Ford 2 bedroom, 1 bath Lower Unit Newly Remodeled Large Kitchen w/ all appl...  [View All Top Homes ] TOP RENTALS YPSILANTI TWP. 1ST MONTH FREE Plus $250 Sec. Dep.* **Balcony/Patio **Section 8 Welcome **... CHELSEA/ Manchester duplex, free utilities, cable, internet, no pets/smoking 734-260-4255  [ View All Top Rentals ] TOP MERCHANDISE  [ View All Top MDSE ]   View Classifieds   Submit a TopAd        or call 1-877-888-3202

	The Manchester Enterprise A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Wenk donates land to county trust

PUBLISHED: January 10, 2008

Bill Wenk, a native of Freedom Township, recently donated 41 acres of open space on Waters Road in Ann Arbor to the Washtenaw County Land Trust.

Advertisement

"It was an easy decision to put the property into the Land Trust," Wenk said. "For one thing, the protection makes property taxes manageable, and gives other significant tax advantages too.

"Most importantly, though, it allows me to keep a part of the family farm that has been in the family for almost 150 years."

Wenk, who resides in Denver, Colo., said he has fond memories of cutting wood with his father on the land, which the family affectionately refers to as "the swamp." Wenk said his father used the property to graze sheep and cattle for many years.

According to the agreement, the conservation easement places restrictions on the future development of the property. Under the terms of the agreement, the land can be sold, inherited and managed responsibly, but it cannot be developed for residential or commercial use.

As part of the protection agreement, Wenk has reserved the right to allow grazing on the property.

"Not only would this restore the property to its historic use, but the grazing could act as a preventative against invasive plant species which threaten natural habitat," Washtenaw County Land Trust executive director Susan Lackey, said. "Bill has also reserved the right to potentially farm the corner five acres, which was once planted with corn, alfalfa, wheat and oats."

Wenk said he is pleased with the agreement.

"It's exciting to think that farther into the future, this land could once again contribute as a local food source," he said.

Lackey said with the donation of the conservation agreement, the property value of the land decreases because of the restrictions on future development. However, this is offset in part by federal income tax deductions that are available to property owners who donate such an agreement.

For more information, call 1-734-302-5263.