Farmland Preservation

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LCCD works with local farmers, the Lebanon County Commissioners, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Farmland Protection, to help preserve farmland in Lebanon County.

What is Agricultural Land Preservation and how does it work?

By voluntarily selling or donating agricultural conservation easements, the landowner is preventing development of the land for purposes other than agricultural production, while retaining ownership.

Benefits of Farmland Preservation

Agriculture employs 2 out of every 5 people in Lebanon County.

Makes farming more affordable for future generations.

Assures affordable and accessible food supplies.

Keeps demand for public services and the taxes needed to support them lower. 

Encourages soil and water conservation. 

Preserves farm culture. 

Retains open space, aesthetics and quality of life.

Do I Qualify?

The farmland tract must:

Be located in an agricultural security area. (Application to your municipality's Agriculutral Security Area )

Contain at least 50% of soils which are available for agricultural production and are of capability classes I-IV.

Contain 50% harvested crop land, pasture lands or grazing lands.

Must be at least 50 contiguous acres in size unless a minimum of 10 acres is of a unique crop or adjoining an attached perpetual agricultural conservation easement.

Must have a conservation plan meeting Resource Mgt. System (RMS) standards and approved by the Lebanon County Conservation District including an "Act 6 level" of nutrient management plan review by the Conservation District by the time of closing.

Must be compatible with municipal land development plans.

Must be willing to accept a cap of $2500 per acre.

Not have more than 50% of it's acreage enrolled in a reserve program such as CRP.

Filing an Application

There is no cost to apply. Applications can be obtained and filed with the Lebanon County Conservation District. (Application to Lebanon County Agricultural Land Preservation Program)

 

The Lebanon County Ag Land Preservation Board will meet at 7:30 PM at the Lebanon Valley Ag Center, 2120 Cornwall Road, Lebanon, PA  17042 on the following dates:

2008 Meeting Dates

January 17th, (rescheduled to January 24th), February 21st, May 15th, June 19th, August 21st and October 30th.
You are cordially invited to attend
our board meetings.

Please send us any comments or questions you may have.