County Backs Out of Management Offer with Little Creek Farm Conservancy

DeKalb County backed out of an agreement to co-manage Little Creek Farm with the horse farm's conservancy last week, saying it plans to continue operating the farm on its own.

The county's Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs did not give a reason for its decision in a letter to conservancy members April 4. The department approached the conservancy three years ago about eventually co-managing the horse farm.

"Unfortunately, the Department has found it necessary to rescind the offer to the Conservancy and has decided to retain the operational and managerial responsibilities of the horse farm for the foreseeable future," wrote Roy Wilson, the department's director. "It is our intent to work with the leadership of the Conservancy as we did in the past in an advisory capacity on matters associated with the Farm and the community surrounding the Farm."

The county said it plans to make a number of changes to the farm over the next two months. All horse boarding agreements will be terminated effective April 20, and boarders wishing to stay can reapply by May 5. The county also plans to increase the rental rate, and all boarders will need to comply with new county farm rules, the letter said.

"By now, many of you are aware of Dekalb County's decision to continue to manage Little Creek Farm," said Leslie Davis, the conservancy's president, in an April 4 email to conservancy members. "While the Conservancy has been focused on assuming this responsibility requested by the County, we graciously and respectfully accept the decision by the Park's Department. We thank everyone that supported us through this process and a special thanks goes to those that worked on the various planning committees over the last six months."