Preserving Dauphin County's Farmland for the Future
Owners of farmland are encouraged to submit an application for the program to DCCD. Eligible applications are ranked based on a scoring system developed by DCCD's Board. Applications selected for easement purchase then go through a process that results in the sale of a conservation easement, which restricts the land to agricultural use. The price of the easement is determined by an appraisal. The landowner still owns the land and may sell it or pass it on to an heir; however, the conservation easement remains in effect. Future owners of the land will be subject to the restrictions of the conservation easement.
In addition to restricting the land to agricultural use, the land is subject to additional restrictions related to subdivision, construction of buildings, utilities, mining, rural enterprises and conservation planning. The intent of these restrictions is to preserve the farm in such a manner as to ensure its long-term viability as a farm.
County-level programs must be certified by the State Agricultural Lands Preservation Board and must be in compliance with the state regulations and guidelines. Upon receiving approval from the state, a county may begin accepting applications and purchasing easements. Dauphin County's program was approved on March 28, 1990, and began accepting applications in 1991.
Funding for the Dauphin County program comes primarily from state grants, with additional funding provided by the Dauphin County Commissioners. Federal funds are also available for some farms.
