C34—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, April 19,1980 Lebanon County Commissioner Ed Arnold, front left, shares farm land preservation ideas with panelists, left to right, Amos Funk, president of the Lancaster County Agricultural Preservation Board; David Schreffler, chairman of the Millcreek Township Planning Commission; Chris Allen, Pennsylvania Farmers Association; Dan Cook, PDA; and Earl Meyer, Lebanon County Plan ning Department. Lebanon County (Continued from Page C 33) farm land, a prune resource not readily reclaimed, to maintain and protect the recharging and quality of ground water vulnerable to pollution because of sub surface limestone for mations, and to provide aesthetic relief from urban development and open space for the recreation and refreshment of the citizens.” Development is prohibited in ag districts except for the building of homes for the farmers family. These homes would be built on non pnme farm land after the farmer has filed an appeal with the township advisory board. ‘•Ag districts encourage the farming business,” concluded Schreffler, “by reducing the zoning restrictions, such as set back distances for buildings, and giving the farmer fewer hassles.” Development is prohibited in ag districts except for the building of homes for the farmers family. These homes would be built on non prime farm land after the farmer has filed an appeal with the township advisory board. “Ag districts encourage the farming business,” concluded Schreffler, “by reducing the zoning restrictions, such as set back distances for buildings, and giving the farmer fewer hassles.” Dan Cook, a farmer and director of the Pa. Depart ment of Agriculture’s Bureau of Planning, Research, and Economic Development, refreshed the group’s memories on the state legislation that has been passed to help save farm land. The Clean and Green Law, Act 319, recently amended by Act 725; House Bill 1778, restricting foreign owner ship, Senate Bill 756, exempting ag co-ops from certified audits; Senate Bill 276, setting up an agriculture review board for any ag land condemnation, and Senate Bill 1011, reducing the permit fee to $25 for an ethanol still Cook said he understood the plight of the farmer He said farmers begin to lose political control when the township begins to urbanize “What brought the people to the country are the things they try to move out after they elect their own representatives to the local government.” Summing up the in formation program, Amos Funk, chairman of the Lancaster County Agricultural Preservation Board, told what is being done to save 278,000 acres of farm land in that county. “Land is an important nonrenewable resource that should be used wisely,” Funk stated. “But, it won’t be preserved unless the farmers on the land want to keep it that way. And right now, I’m not sure many of them do.” Funk told the group that nine townships in Lancaster County have agricultural districts. “The farmers go along with the districts because they feel the zoning can always be changed—but the deed restriction idea is permanent.” He added the deed restriction plan is as voluntary as it can be and m write MOWING KTTOI still be effective. The far mers are given the chance to voice their opinions at pubhc hearings before the township adopts the deed restriction policy. Funk predicted that in 5 to 10 years the price of the farm land in the preserve areas will be sold for a higher price than farm land outside of the preserve. “The farms in the preserve will be assured the ability to farm.” This argument disputes the claims of many farmers. Funk said, who feel the deed restriction will lower the value of their farm because they won’t be able to sell it for development. With all of the information and comments to digest, the Lebanon County Planning Commission has its work cut out during the next six months. However, they are still looking for ideas and opinions from farmers in their county, and Com missioner Arnold said he encouraged public input in developmg the farm land preservation program. Chester offers 4-H leader orientation WEST CHESTER - P-m. at the Dovmmgtowri available to Chester County Adults mterested m helping Savings and Loan Bank, y • woul(i to boys and girls, ages 8 to 19. Avenue in *** develop their abihties are Downmgtown. , der V ou won’t want to invited to attend an onen- The role of 4-H leaders will ’ meeting Reg^ter tation meeting for new be discussed, along with an ca iimg Jan Renner at 215- volunteer leaders to be held explanation of the various 4- Monday, April 28 at 7:30 H activities and events AMERICAS r —, Distributed By: \f(jeystone Nu-Pulse Cochranville, PA 19330 215-932-4700 SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Curt Cassady PH 717-626-1065 Before 7AM After 6 P.M AUTHORIZED DEALERS: SULLIVAN CO WILLIAM HUNSINGER RD 1 Boxl3A Dushore, PA 18514 717 928-8714 CHESTER CO LAPPS HARDWARE & DAIRY SUPPLIES RD4 Box 96 (Loop Rd) Quarryville, PA 17566 SOMERSET CO SAM WEIDNER Somerset PA 15501 814 445 8921 LEBANON & BERKS CO CLYDE C. LUTZ Ephrata, PA 17522 717 738 1718 SOUTH JERSEY WOODSTOWN ICE & COAL COMPANY 50 E Grant St Box 184 Woodstown N J 08098 609 769 0070 Tomorrow’s technology today MONTGOMERY CO PENN VALLEY | C KES FARM SUPPLY CROPSTOREINC. 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