MILFORD — The Pike County Commissioners announced Wednesday the receipt of an allocation of $226,902 from the state to assist in the purchase of agricultural conservation easements through the Agricultural Land Preservation Program.

The Pike County Agricultural Land Preservation Program, which was established by the Pike County Commissioners two years ago, helps support the valuable agricultural activity that exists in the County. Farming remains a productive Pike County resource which contributes to the local economy and plays a significant role in the scenic rural character of our local communities.

By providing viable options for small family farms, landowners can retain the small farm operations and encourage our local rural character.

On Jan. 23, the commissioners certified $35,662.00 to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for use in the county’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program. Of this amount, $30,000 came from the $10 million Bond Initiative, with the remainder of the money received from rollback tax interest from properties coming out of Clean and Green.

Once the county’s certification is approved by the state, the state Department of Agriculture determined the allocation amount.

Any landowner within an Agricultural Security Area of 500 acres or more is eligible to apply for the purchase of an agricultural conservation easement. The Agricultural Land Preservation Board has extended the 2008 application deadline until July 15.

Any landowner interested in applying for the purchase of an Agricultural Conservation Easement or to enroll their property in an Agricultural Security Area should contact the Pike County Office of Community Planning for more information. Contact Jessica Grohmann, Preservation Planner, at the Pike County Office of Community Planning. 570-226-6293. jgrohmann@pikepa.org.