Commission urges study of land‑protection programs, recommends zoning fixes and limits on cluster development

Commissioners debated the merits of several land‑protection tools and ultimately asked the council to study and create agricultural land protection programs rather than prescribe a single solution. The commission’s recommended approach emphasizes zoning changes first, then programs such as purchase of development rights and tax‑benefit mechanisms.

Members said TDRs have practical implementation challenges in Clark County and should not be treated as the primary tool. "TDR was going to save us. And as our subcommittee has has found out that is not going to be the case," said Rude Vanderolm, summarizing part of the subcommittee’s conclusion. Instead, members highlighted zoning reform (including limiting further cluster subdivisions), exploring an AG‑40 designation for stronger protection, and considering tax‑based or PBRS‑style incentives to maintain farmland.

The commission recommended the county create land‑protection programs that "protect affordable access to farmland for future generations" and asked to be included as a stakeholder in program development. Members emphasized that zoning (including restrictions on cluster development) is the most immediate lever the county can use to slow farmland loss.