Preserving Farmland in Rockland County: An Interview with Allan Beers
Members of the project team standing in front of the Cropsey Barn. From left: Alex Stojkovic and Bob Gabalski of Lothrop Associates, Gary Dinnebeil of Yankee Construction, Robert Gruffi and Allan Beers of Rockland County.
Agriculture is a big part of New York State’s cultural heritage, but farmland — especially small family farms and the historic barns that come with them — is disappearing at an alarming rate. Jim and Pat Cropsey wanted to make sure their farmland was preserved as open space and continued to serve and agricultural purpose for future generations. They reached an agreement with Rockland County, and in 2006 the county took ownership of the property in partnership with the Town of Clarkstown.
To learn more about this unique arrangement and the impressive restoration that followed, we reached out to Allan Beers, Coordinator, Environmental Resources and Executive Director, RC Soil & Water Conservation District at Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources.
Where did the motivation to save the historic Cropsey Barn come from?
In 2000, the County established its first Open Space Acquisition Program to acquire areas of scenic beauty, environmentally sensitive lands, farms, and historic structures. In 2003, Jim and Pat Cropsey, owners of the farm, approached the County in an effort to preserve it for future generations. The 24-acre farm along with its barn was built in stages starting in 1796 and has long stood as an landmark in the Town of Clarkstown. In 2006, Rockland County partnered with the Town of Clarkstown to take ownership of the Cropsey farm in order to preserve it as open space/historic preservation with the County owning 61% and the Town 39%. In 2017, attention was turned towards the restoration of the barn, which had suffered from the ravages of time and elements.
Since completing this project, how has the Cropsey Barn been returned to active use?
A view of the restored barn. The property is now run as an organic farm and the barn operates as a farm store that is open to the public.
In 2010, Rockland County and the Rockland Farm Alliance entered into a License Agreement to create the first Community Supported Agricultural Program in the county. Although the barn was able to be used for limited purposes prior to the restoration, the completed restoration has allowed for a more community-based use. The Farm Alliance has expanded agricultural programs for public and private school students. They also:
Created a Junior Farmers summer program
Hosted sustainable agriculture and healthy living gardening workshops
Established a “farm store” selling agricultural products
Hosted community events
What role do you think preserving our agricultural heritage plays in building more sustainable communities?
The front of the restored barn showing the breezeway and new roof. Credit: Dan Cochran
In 1950, there were 406 farms utilizing 17,360-acres [in Rockland County]. In 2019, just six farms remain producing agricultural products on 200-acres. The preservation of the Cropsey Farm along with the partnership of the Rockland Farm Alliance has preserved a glimpse back to the county’s agricultural history. The Community Supported Agricultural Program has provided locally grown organic produce and has fostered a healthy eating initiative. The preservation of the farm has also preserved dwindling open space and provided environmental education and land stewardship responsibilities for future generations.
What role does historic preservation play more generally in Rockland County?
The exterior west wall of the barn after restoration. It sits on 25 acres, with 12 being cultivated for organic farming. Credit: Dan Cochran
Rockland County has four designated National and State Register Historic Districts. The county also has more than 60 individual sites listed on the National Register. In 2002, the county established the Rockland County Historic Preservation Board as an advisory capacity to the county. All five towns in the county and most of its villages have an appointed municipal historian and many of the local municipalities have adopted local historic preservation laws. It is worth noting that many of the historic sites designated at the national, state, or local level are owned by municipalities or the County. Public ownership is one of the best ways to ensure a historic resource is protected, however, it can involve significant costs incurred by the municipalities.
This interview is part of our series celebrating the 2020 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award winners. You can find all the posts in this series by clicking here.