Ontario farmer turned down C$16m for 164 acres; 29 acres protected for 999 years

 Charles Stevens and his family have decided to protect Wilmot Orchards by placing a conservation easement on the property. This easement effectively restricts future development for nearly 1,000 years, ensuring continued agricultural use. Their decision counters pressures from developers seeking to convert farmland into housing. The Stevens family aims to preserve the land for future generations of farmers. Charles Stevens and his family have decided to protect Wilmot Orchards by placing a conservation easement on the property. This easement effectively restricts future development for nearly 1,000 years, ensuring continued agricultural use. Their decision counters pressures from developers seeking to convert farmland into housing. The Stevens family aims to preserve the land for future generations of farmers.