Farmland Preservation
The Fairfield Soil and Water Conservation District helps coordinate different forms of farmland preservation in coordination with the 2002 County Land Use Plan.
1965-Present Farmland Policy Summary
Government Programs
The most popular program is the Clean Ohio Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP) administered by the SWCD on behalf of the Fairfield County Board of Commissioners in partnership with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. This program is occasionally joined with the USDA-ARCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) on qualifying farms.
Locally, the SWCD would assist with the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Easement Donation Program and the Fairfield Land Preservation Association conservation easement donation programs.
These programs are legally binding and can often be confusing. Jonathan Ferbrache, our Resource Specialist, is designated to assist you in understanding these programs and what best fits your needs. Applications to the Clean Ohio Local Agricultural Easement Program must come through the Fairfield County Board of Commissioners via the SWCD office. We typically solicit applications from December through mid-January each year.
Clean Ohio Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP) Links
Land Trust Program
The Fairfield Land Preservation Association is dedicated to the protection of natural features and working farmland for the benefit of present and future generations of Fairfield County through the acceptance or purchase of conservation easements.
Visit their website at: http://www.fairfieldlandpreservation.com
Fairfield Land Preservation Association
P.O. Box 1033
Lancaster, OH 43130
Resources