WALPOLE, N.H. (AP) -Residents are getting ready to debate spending tax money to save a valuable piece of farmland.

A Town Meeting warrant article asks the town to spend more than $30,000 a year for the next 10 years to place a conservation easement on 52 acres of prime farmland next to the Connecticut River.

The purchase would ensure that the Ballam Farm would not be developed. In addition, it would provide town-owned land as a buffer around a town water well, space for a possible well and prevent development over a town water source.

The town Conservation Commission, selectmen and the Trust for Public Land already have lined up state and federal grants to help.

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Information from: Eagle Times, http://www.eagletimes.com

AP-ES-02-26-07 1048EST