Agriculture Land Preservation Program
Juniata County has joined with over 40 counties in PA that has active Agricultural Land Preservation Programs. On May 6, 1997, the Juniata County Agricultural Land Preservation Program was created, by resolution of the Juniata County
Commissioners.
The Juniata County Conservation District administers the Juniata County Agricultural Land Preservation Program on behalf of the Juniata County Commissioners. The program is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, which is appointed by the County Commissioners. This program purchases conservation easements, as funding is available, on productive farmland that is enrolled in its township’s Agricultural Security Area, on the condition that those lands must stay in agricultural use. Farms are ranked by an approved competitive scoring process, which evaluates a farm for soil types, road frontage, proximity to water & sewer utilities, proximity to other preserved farms, etc.
Easements generally are held jointly between Juniata County & the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Easements can be purchased by the Juniata County Agricultural Land Preservation Board, or donated to the Juniata County Agricultural Land Preservation Board.
Applications can be obtained at the Juniata County Conservation District Office. Our application period typically runs from 12/1 to 1/31.
For more information, please contact Chris Snyder, 436-8953, Ext. 5.
Resources:
Agricultural Security Area Handbook
Agricultural Security Area Handbook Exhibits
Agricultural Security Area Timeline
Agricultural Security Area Enrollment Form
Bicentennial / Century Farm Application
