Special to The Sun
The Burlington County Commissioners and the Chesterfield Township Committee held a ceremony last June to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first New Jersey farms to enter preservation. #BurlingtonCounty #farmland #farmlandpreservation #p
https://southjersey.media/?p=284512

City approves first Blue Belt purchase to protect drinking-water watershed Council approved a participation agreement to buy the Davenport property in partnership with Scio Township and Washtenaw County, the first acquisition under the newly created Blue Belt overlay to protect source-water quality as part of the Greenbelt program.

Ann Arbor City Council just took a major step in securing clean drinking water by approving the first purchase under the new Blue Belt initiative!

Learn more here

#AnnArborCityWashtenawCounty #MI #AnnArborSourceWater #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #WaterProtection #FarmlandPreservation

NJ Agriculture Secretary cites farmland preservation gains, urges cross‑agency coordination Secretary Ed Wingren told the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee the state has doubled farmland preservation interest after changing SADC valuation rules and urged coordination across agencies on food distribution, One Health and agrivoltaics pilots.

New Jersey's agriculture landscape is thriving with a 35% increase in farmland preservation offers, thanks to groundbreaking changes in valuation practices!

Learn more here

#NJ #NewJerseyAgriculture #CitizenPortal #FoodDistribution #FarmlandPreservation #CrossAgencyCoordination

City of Greeley unveils draft West Greeley regional plan and form-based code, invites public comment City of Greeley staff and consultants presented a draft regional plan and form-based code for 22 square miles west of about 83rd Avenue, emphasizing farmland preservation, connected street networks, walkable neighborhoods and an online public comment period before formal adoption next year.

Greeley is reimagining its future with a bold regional plan that prioritizes farmland, walkability, and vibrant neighborhoods—are you ready to be part of the conversation?

Learn more here

#GreeleyCityWeldCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #GreeleyWestRegionalPlan #SmartGrowth #FarmlandPreservation

State farmland program offers tools and limited funds as Johnston County faces high conversion risk A state official told Johnston County commissioners that North Carolina ranks second in projected farmland loss and outlined tools — including permanent easements and a new Agricultural Growth Zone (AGZ) grant program — but warned demand far outstrips available state funding. Johnston County has six recorded easements totaling about 592 acres.

North Carolina is facing a critical farmland crisis, with alarming projections showing up to 1.6 million acres at risk of conversion—learn how counties can combat this loss!

Get the details

#JohnstonCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #AgriculturalConservation #FarmlandPreservation

Farmers and counties split over bill to ‘fortify’ agritourism; debate centers on local control and definitions HB 2129 would broaden authorization and protections for agritourism activities on farmland; agricultural associations and some farmers supported expanded options to diversify farm income, while conservation groups, several county officials and production farmers warned the bill’s broad language could convert productive farmland to commercial venues and undercut local land-use protections.

A fierce debate is brewing in Washington over House Bill 2129, as farmers push for agritourism expansion while local officials warn it could threaten valuable farmland.

Read the full story

#WA #FarmlandPreservation #AgritourismDevelopment #LocalControl #CitizenPortal

Committee debates PFAS, pollutants and TMDL wording in updated farmland plan Committee members pressed to highlight land 'toxification' (PFAS and other pollutants) and to prioritize impaired waters, while staff cautioned that establishing TMDLs is resource-intensive; the committee agreed to add language to 'explore' implementation mechanisms rather than commit to TMDLs.

Ashland County's Farmland Preservation Committee is taking a bold stand against pollution, pushing for clearer strategies to combat toxic threats like PFAS and heavy metals in local waterways.

Get the details!

#AshlandCounty #WI #WaterQualityIssues #FarmlandPreservation #AshlandCountyEnvironment

County seeks $250,000 SRBC grant to preserve groundwater-recharge farmland; commissioners raise data-center water concerns Planning staff said the county will apply to the Susquehanna River Basin Commission for $250,000 to expand farmland preservation in groundwater-recharge areas; commissioners asked whether SRBC has policy or regulatory roles related to large withdrawals for data centers.

Cumberland County is poised to secure a $250,000 grant to enhance its farmland preservation efforts, while concerns about water demands from data centers loom large.

Learn more here!

#CumberlandCounty #PA #FarmlandPreservation #WaterProtection #CitizenPortal #DataCenterRegulation

York County considers multiple farmland easements, seeks $386,295 for Snyder farm York County’s Ag Preserve Board requested $386,295 for an easement to preserve 110.37 acres of a Snyder farm in East Manchester Township; the Farm & Natural Lands Trust presented two additional preservation projects, including a large Stambaugh valley property and a 40-acre addition in Warrington Township.

York County is on the verge of preserving 110.37 acres of vital farmland, but they need your support to secure $386,295 for this essential easement!

Learn more here

#YorkCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #YorkCountyAgriculture #FarmlandPreservation #SustainableAgriculture #ConservationEfforts

Commissioners enact two zoning bills: solar ordinance compliance and wastewater special‑use change; debates reflect farmland preservation and property‑rights fr The board held third readings and enacted two local bills: an ordinance aligning county solar rules with Maryland’s Renewable Energy Certainty Act, and a zoning change removing an ownership requirement for non‑accessory wastewater treatment facilities. Both measures passed by voice vote; the wastewater amendment drew a recorded dissent.

Caroline County commissioners have enacted key zoning bills that reshape solar energy regulations and wastewater treatment, igniting a heated debate over farmland preservation and property rights.

Read the full story

#CarolineCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #WastewaterManagement #FarmlandPreservation

Local land trusts report recent closings and a new Fairview Community Forest acquisition Representatives from local land trusts told Buncombe County’s advisory board about recent closings: Southern Highlands Conservancy reported two fee-simple acquisitions (Bull Creek Preserve at Warren Wilson and Snowball Mountain Phase II), and Camp Woodson closed 226 acres to create the Fairview Community Forest. County staff said seven farmland eas

Local conservation efforts are thriving in Buncombe County, with new land acquisitions paving the way for a stunning Fairview Community Forest and vital farmland preservation projects!

Learn more here

#BuncombeCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #FarmlandPreservation #LandConservation #CommunityForests

Commissioners back planning‑commission changes to solar compensatory fund bill; MALPF formula to be used Caroline County commissioners agreed Oct. 14 to amend a draft local law that would require solar developers to pay compensatory preservation contributions when utility‑scale arrays affect prime or statewide‑importance farmland; the planning commission recommended using MALPF appraisal averages and covering Class 1 and 2 soils at 75% of the MALPF‑dr

Caroline County is taking a stand for its prime farmland by requiring solar developers to contribute to a new Agricultural Land Preservation Fund!

Learn more here

#CarolineCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #CarolineCountyAgriculture #SustainableDevelopment #SolarEnergy #FarmlandPreservation

Ashland County Board Approves Wildlife Damage Budget and Farmland Preservation Updates Board approves wildlife damage budget while discussing updates to farmland preservation plan.

The Ashland County Land Conservation Committee made crucial amendments to their meeting minutes, highlighting the importance of precise language in environmental discussions.

Learn more here!

#AshlandCounty #WI #AshlandCountyLandConservation #CitizenPortal #FarmlandPreservation

Georgiana and Jeff Kaiser endorse Epcon's Heritage Trail development as responsible growth for Zionsville Kaiser family supports Epcon's plans for Heritage Trail, highlighting community benefits and responsible growth.

Zionsville's future hangs in the balance as residents passionately advocate for transforming cherished farmland into vibrant communities.

Click to read more!

#TownofZionsvilleBooneCounty #IN #CitizenPortal #FarmlandPreservation #CommunityDevelopment #ZionsvilleCommunity

Board Votes to Approve Funding for North McDerris Ridge and Pinnacle Slope Projects Members approve funding recommendations for two conservation projects after evaluations and discussions.

Buncombe County's Land Conservation Advisory Board is making waves with promising funding recommendations for two pivotal conservation projects—discover the stunning details that could reshape the region's landscape!

Click to read more!

#BuncombeCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #FarmlandPreservation

NewJersey #GardenState #savethefarms #farmlandpreservation

Austin City and Travis County prioritize farmland preservation in food plan Task force urged to include farmland preservation in 2026 bond package proposals.

Austin is facing a farmland crisis, losing over 6,000 acres annually—discover how the city plans to combat this urgent issue!

Learn more here

#AustinTravisCounty #TX #SustainableFoodSystem #CitizenPortal #AustinFoodPolicy #FarmlandPreservation #PublicInvestment

Lake County Commissioners Discuss Impact of Proposed Middletown Project on Evacuation Routes Commissioners voice concerns on wildfire evacuation and farmland preservation regarding large project.

Lake County residents are on edge as a controversial development project threatens prime farmland and wildfire evacuation routes—what will the future hold for Middletown?

Click to read more!

#LakeCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #LakeCountyFarming #WildfirePreparedness #FarmlandPreservation

Pennsylvania House bill establishes trust fund for conservation and agricultural projects Legislation allocates funds for public land conservation, recreation, and farmland preservation projects

Pennsylvania is taking a bold step towards a greener future with new legislation that funds conservation, recreation, and farmland preservation projects!

Click to read more!

#PA #CitizenPortal #PublicLand #FarmlandPreservation #RecreationFunding #PennsylvaniaConservation

Oregon officials assess commercial renewable energy projects' impact on farmland loss Officials raise concerns on farmland conversion amid rising renewable energy developments in Oregon.

Oregon's farmland is at a crossroads as renewable energy projects threaten to reshape its agricultural landscape—what's at stake?

Click to read more!

#OR #FarmlandPreservation #RenewableEnergyImpact #SustainableAgriculture

Burnett County begins public participation planning for comprehensive plan rollout County prepares to integrate farmland preservation into comprehensive planning with public input.

Ashland County is gearing up for a transformative planning process that prioritizes community input and agricultural sustainability—will your voice be heard?

Learn more here!

#AshlandCounty #WI #AshlandCountyPlanning #CommunityEngagement #SustainableDevelopment #FarmlandPreservation

Mecklenburg County establishes Voluntary Agricultural District program to protect farmland County leaders launch program aimed at preserving farmland and supporting local agriculture.

Huntersville is taking bold steps to protect its farmland with a new Voluntary Agricultural District program that empowers local farmers and promotes sustainability.

Learn more here!

#HuntersvilleMecklenburgCounty #NC #FarmlandPreservation #HuntersvilleAgriculture #CommunityCollaboration

Michigan Farmers Call for Local Control on Renewable Energy Project Decisions Farmers urge local decision-making on renewable energy projects to balance property rights and land preservation.

Michigan farmers are pushing for a say in renewable energy projects, advocating for local control to protect their land while embracing sustainable solutions.

Click to read more!

#MI #RenewableEnergy #FarmlandPreservation #CitizenPortal #LocalControl

Michigan farmers voice concerns over solar farms encroaching on agricultural land Farmers raise alarms about farmland loss to solar energy developments affecting crop production.

Michigan farmers are sounding the alarm as the push for solar energy threatens to convert vital farmland into solar farms, risking our food supply and crop markets.

Get the details

#MI #FarmlandPreservation #RenewableEnergyBalance #CitizenPortal #SustainableAgriculture

County Board votes on Ringgold ordinance amid farmland preservation concerns County board approves Ringgold ordinance while addressing farmland preservation issues raised by members.

Marathon County is at a crossroads, as the Board debates a pivotal ordinance on renewable energy that could reshape farmland forever.

Click to read more!

#MarathonCounty #WI #MarathonCountyRenewableEnergy #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovements #FarmlandPreservation

Tennessee Legislature Passes Bills on Election Training and Farmland Preservation Senate approves Senate Bill 11 43 requiring training for election officials on non-citizen identification.

Tennessee's recent legislation on election integrity has ignited fierce debate, with proponents claiming it ensures fair elections while opponents warn of unnecessary voter suppression.

Learn more here!

#TN #CitizenPortal #TennesseeElections #PublicSafety #FarmlandPreservation #ElectionIntegrity

Rowan County Commissioners approve Farmland Preservation Fund policy effective 2025 Commissioners vote to establish a fund supporting farmers' conservation easements in Rowan County.

Rowan County is taking bold steps to protect its agricultural heritage with a new Farmland Preservation Fund aimed at helping farmers conserve their land!

Learn more here

#RowanCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #CommunityHealth #FarmlandPreservation #SustainableAgriculture

Kewaunee officials report spring readiness and high phosphorus levels in Scarborough Creek Kewaunee officials update on farmland preservation, nutrient management, and soil inspections.

Kewaunee County is gearing up for crucial changes in farmland management and tackling high phosphorus levels in Scarborough Creek—are local farmers ready for the April 15 deadline?

Learn more here!

#KewauneeCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #NutrientManagement #FarmlandPreservation #WaterQuality

Agricultural Board addresses 12% loss in prime farmland and preservation efforts Board discusses significant farmland loss and application procedures for preservation program.

Scott County is facing an alarming 12% decline in agricultural land, losing 15,000 acres in recent years—what does this mean for the future of farming in our community?

Learn more here

#ScottCounty #KY #CitizenPortal #AgriculturalLandLoss #FarmlandPreservation #SustainableFarming

Commission addresses farmland loss and announces town hall meetings in Christian County Commissioners express concerns over farmland loss and urge infrastructure planning for development.

The Christian County Commission is taking a stand against farmland loss while planning for community engagement—are you ready to be part of the conversation?

Learn more here

#ChristianCounty #MO #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #InfrastructurePlanning #FarmlandPreservation