Farmland donations to be accepted
Source: Pennlive.com, by Matt Miller
March 07, 2008
Donating property to Cumberland County's Agricultural Land Preservation Program won't be free or easy, but at least now it's possible.
After getting inquiries, the county commissioners have set up a means to accept land from farmers who want to donate rather than be paid for perpetual agricultural conservation easements.
Two landowners have expressed interest, said Stephanie Williams, an open-space coordinator.
Donated land will be locked into farming use forever, Williams said.
It will cost the county $5,000 to $10,000 for each "free" parcel, she said, and acceptance isn't automatic.
That's still less than the market prices for regular easements.
More than 13,000 acres in Cumberland County have been preserved by easement purchases, which are partly paid for by the state, program coordinator Rebecca Wiser said. Purchases of three more easements totaling about 300 acres are pending, she said, and 41 properties with 5,500 acres are on a waiting list.
The county has $1.3 million to buy easements this year, Wiser said. The wait for a paid easement can take years.
The process for a donated easement will be faster, and the donors will receive tax breaks for giving away the land.
Williams said surveying, appraisal and other fees will accompany free easements, and $20,000 for such costs is available from a bond issue.
Donation prospects must contain at least 35 acres, be in an agricultural security area, be zoned for agricultural use and contain prime soil. At least half the property must be in agricultural production.
