A national coalition of conservation groups presented an award to California Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) for his leadership in renewing a tax incentive for landowners who protect their land.

The incentive, which has already helped Americans conserve more than a million acres of farmland, ranches and natural areas across the country, had expired Jan. 1.  Thanks to Rep. Thompson’s efforts, the incentive is now available to landowners through 2009.  

As a member of the Ways  Means Committee, Thompson said he introduced this legislation because: “Our nation’s farmlands and open spaces are disappearing to development at an alarming pace, and with them we are losing a part of our American heritage.”

John Hoffnagle, executive director of the Land Trust of Napa County, said: “Mike Thompson’s leadership in extending the tax benefits for donation of conservation easements means that donors all over the country will be able to make a choice to preserve their property for all time. Agricultural landowners and owners of important open space will benefit mightily from the leadership that Mike offered. In Napa County alone, these tax benefits result in tangible conservation easement results on hundreds of acres and millions of dollars worth of permanent conservation.”