PIKE COUNTY, PA — The Pike County Agricultural Land Preservation (ALP) Board has extended the deadline for farmers to apply for funding that could permanently protect local agricultural lands. Property owners of farming lands that meet soil requirements and land compatibility are eligible to apply until April 30, 2019.

The ALP Program was formed in January 2007 so farmers could access some of the value of their land while maintaining ownership. Through the application process outlined in the program manual, willing landowners who qualify can preserve their property by selling their development rights through a transaction known as an agricultural conservation easement. To date, Pike County has purchased two agricultural conservation easements through the ALP program. In order to be eligible for the purchase of an agricultural conservation easement, the property must first be in an Agricultural Security Area (ASA). There is no cost to enroll a property in an Agricultural Security Area, and in Pike County there are no restrictions to the landowner against subdividing or selling the property while in an ASA.

Presently, there are four ASAs in Pike County, in Dingman, Greene, Lackawaxen and Westfall townships. Entering 2019, Pike has nearly 7,500 acres enrolled in ASAs.

Any farmer considering the future of their land is encouraged to contact the Pike County Office of Community Planning to speak with a staff member at 570/296-3500.