The first step in the Agricultural Land Preservation process is to enroll the property in an Agricultural Security Area (ASA).  Agricultural Security Areas are a tool for strengthening and protecting our quality farmland from the urbanization of rural areas. Landowners interested in protecting their agricultural lands must first be enrolled in an ASA. Agricultural Security Areas offer some benefits to the landowner:

• Protection from local ordinances that would unreasonably restrict farming operations

• Protection from nuisance complaints (such as noise and odor)

• An ASA designation discourages eminent domain and provides the landowner with additional state and local reviews of any proposed condemnation

• Landowners with loans through the Small Business First Program and the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund may receive a reduction in their interest rates

• ASA designation does not restrict the use of the property by the farmer

Proposals are submitted to the municipality from landowners looking to enroll their property in an Agricultural Security Area. Lands enrolled in ASAs greater than 500 acres are eligible to apply for the purchase of an agricultural conservation easement.

In an effort to assist landowners in creating or joining an Agricultural Security Area, the Pike County Office of Community Planning is available to assist landowners in this process. If you are interested in putting your land in an Agricultural Security Area, please complete the form below and the Preservation Planner will contact you and work with you to start the process.

Agricultural Security   Areas (ASA's):

Dingman Township

695 acres
(created 2/2008)

Lackawaxen Township

2,600 acres

(created 12/2006)

USE THIS FORM TO BEGIN THE ASA ENROLLMENT PROCESS

 (Completing this form in no way commits you to enroll in an ASA. Planning staff will simply contact you to provide further information and answer any of your questions.)