The closing fundraiser on the conservation property. - Otsego County, NY

Black Land Ownership has completed the process of putting in an offer, the offer has been accepted and we are in the final stages of closing on a 16 acre conservation property in Otsego New York.

This is where we complete our payment, solidify our ownership, and are transferred title and deed of the conservation property. The goal of this fundraiser is to cover the final $3846.00 in closing costs.

$20,000 - 16 acre property

$310 - county clerk

$486.80 - Title company

lawyer to start boundless lands $1500

lawyer to manage land sale $750

taxes - $800

total $23, 846.80

We have raised 20,000 of this amount.

Our goal is to raise the final 3, 846.80 in the next two weeks.

By this being a community supported endeavor, we are able to take private space and make it available for use by friends, family and supporters - get your camping gear ready.

How is this related to Black Land Ownership’s Mission?

A number of our organizational interests at Black Land Ownership are oriented to farming, agriculture, education, sustainable development, and projects that involve use of the land in a way that's non-exploitative and considerate of the environmental impact. However, many of our projects still require buildings, septic systems, wells and a use of the property in a way that would augment its natural development. In our research we have realized that not only should we purchase lands for use (residential or commercial) but we should also learn how to use the power of ownership to protect and preserve nature and ensure future generation's access to natural environments. This led us down the path of how to work with easements, land trust groups and other forest management/ecological preservation and conservation groups. We would like to align with organizations that have experience in conservation and work to open that space up to more folks of African descent and build awareness and appreciation in the African American community.

What can we do with the Land if we can’t "use it"?

We will be able to walk the land, give nature tours, hike/camp, create a sculpture park, acclimate folks with the outdoors, learn about flora and fauna germane to New York State as well as foster interest in environmental justice and land stewardship. All of our programs will be available to people of all identities with a concentration on marginalized communities and folks of African descent.

Below are some ideas for activities at the conservation property.

- Sculpture park

We would like to create a sculpture park made with all organic materials—stone

and wood monoliths, microliths, sculptures that incorporate the sun, wind,

seasons, and natural processes that utilize gravity and inclines and work with

the forested areas of the property. This project will allow us to:

- Get to know the land and the resources it holds

- Promote creative endeavors that aim to sustain natural environments

- Connect with the community by offering and explorative experience in nature

- Support independent artists who may not get the chance to work in such a vast

and natural environment

- Hiking and Camping for folks who feel less protected in state parks or common

lands: There are numerous people who feel unsafe camping and hiking on public

lands due to the history of racial violence in rural areas. We want our land to be

a safe space for folks who would like to experience the great outdoors without

the threat of harassment, intimidation and overt racism.

ALL OF THE MONEY GOES SPECIFICALLY TO THIS FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE AND WILL NOT BE USED FOR ANY OTHER ENDEAVORS.

For more information, please check us out at http://blacklandownership.com

If you are interested in donating larger sums and would like the tax credit, please send me a personal note and we can arrange that.