Extension - Sustainable Land Use
Land Preservation

Pennsylvania Sea Grant seeks to advance land preservation concepts by working cooperatively with rural areas to encourage programs and projects which promote the conservation of rural resources and development in those areas that is compatible with and supportive of a rural way of life such as agriculture, timbering, mining/quarrying, forest and game lands, recreation, and tourism.

Currently, the staff is involved with ongoing efforts which assist rural areas of Erie County with their land preservation efforts. Staff encourages the farming community to get involved with the Commonwealth's Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) program. The voluntary sale of development rights by farmers is among the most powerful tools available for the preservation of prime agricultural land.

Sea Grant staff are also working with the Lake Erie Region Conservancy (LERC), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), local municipalities, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and private property owners to promote the conservation of sensitive environmental/biodiverse lands in the Lake Erie watershed. Progress to date includes: assisting LERC with the acquisition of development rights on a lakefront property in North East Township and assisting Millcreek Township with the acquisition of property (along Walnut Creek) for the development of a new municipal park. Discussions are also underway for the preservation of several other parcels along Lake Erie and its upland tributaries.

For more information, contact Dave Skellie.