Lycoming, Tioga, and Columbia farms approved for state preservation funds
Farms in Lycoming, Tioga, and Columbia counties are among 34 statewide approved for preservation.
Harrisburg, Pa. — The state Agricultural Land Preservation Board approved more than $9.1 million to buy development rights on 34 farms and 2,565 acres in 16 counties, including three in the northcentral region.
In Lycoming County, David and Margaret Johnson’s 161-acre crop and livestock farm in Jackson Township is being preserved with a $207,625 investment, including $179,431 in state money and $28,194 from the county.
In Tioga County, Hilma F. Cooper’s 116-acre crop farm in Charleston Township is being preserved with a $218,005 investment, including $136,323 from the state and $81,682 from the county.
In Columbia County, a 60-acre crop farm in Catawissa Township owned by Soil Bound #2 is being preserved with $80,419 in state money.
Conservation easements stay with the land if the farm is sold and block future residential or commercial development. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said the program keeps prime soil in farming.