LandNotes

A spate of recent stories again highlight the “green lining” in the recession. This is the term conservationists are using to highlight their ability to compete for conservation-worthy properties that were priced out of reach as recently as last year.

A front page story in the San Francisco Chronicle describes how almost 600 acres of oak woodlands along California’s Yuba River–once slated for new homes–is now queued for prtection for the bargain price of $4m million after the development went bust.

In Tampa, the 160-acre former Georgetown Development — bought for $125 million in 2005 — has been sold for $34 million with the understanding that TPL will be able to pick up about hald the property for a new public waterfront park. According to the Tampa Tribune, at one time there were to be 1,200 homes here.

And the Hartford Current has a story on what it calls “The Green Recession in Connecticut,” discussing five ongoing projects.

On the other hand, the Sarasota Florida Herald-Tribune raises the alarm that Sarasota County’s much admired conservation program–which has protected more than 27,000 acres — is sputtering, because its coffers are filled by a a tax tied to home values.

This, alas, is the not-so-green side of the recession for conservationists. While land bargains are blooming, money can be harder to find.