Farmland Preservation: The Columbia County Conservation District coordinates activities involved in the Agriculture Land Preservation Program for the County on behalf of the Columbia County Agricultural Land Preservation Board.  Applications are received year-round, and are typically processed towards the end of the year. Click HERE to download an application.  A $25.00 fee is required to submit an application.

Applications are ranked using a two-part Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA).  The LESA looks at the quality of soils/site assessment, and considers local factors that may have an impact on the current or future viability of a farm. 

Once the farms are ranked and funding is provided from the State, the land development rights are purchased from the highest-ranking farms.  Please click on the link below for a copy of the Farmland Preservation Program Fact Sheet. 

The total number of farm easements purchased to date in the County is 41, totaling approximately 4,496 acres.

For more information, please contact the CCCD office at (570) 317-9456.

Current Board Members:
Ronnie Rhoads, Chairperson (Farmer)
Kevin Bissinger (Building Industry Rep./Contractor)
Winston Jarrard (Local Government Rep./Township Supervisor)
Louis O'Neil (Citizen at Large)
Pam Frenz (Citizen at Large)
Ron Sampsel (Citizen at Large)
Josh Marks (Farmer)
Ray Tucker (Farmer)
Sawyer Whitenight (Farmer)

Map of Preserved Farms

Farmland Preservation Manual

Bicentennial and Century Farm Application

​Pennsylvania Department of Ag - Farmland Preservation Website