Board faces decisions on residential structures, new farm applications as county works to protect remaining agricultural land

HONESDALE — The Wayne County Agricultural Land Preservation Board will meet tonight at 6:00 PM to address several critical issues affecting the future of farming in the Pocono region, including requests for additional residential structures on preserved farmland and the status of new conservation easement applications.

The meeting, scheduled for the Park Street Complex at 648 W. Park Street in Honesdale, comes as Wayne County continues its decades-long effort to protect prime farmland from development pressures in one of Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing counties.

Damascus Township Residential Structure Request Headlines Agenda

A key item on tonight’s agenda is a request for an additional residential structure on preserved farmland in Damascus Township. Under Pennsylvania’s agricultural conservation easement rules, preserved farms are typically allowed one additional residential structure beyond what existed when the easement was purchased, but only if it serves as the landowner’s principal residence or housing for farm employees.

These requests require careful board consideration, as they must balance the need to keep farms economically viable while ensuring the land remains primarily in agricultural use. The decision could set important precedents for how the county handles similar requests in the future.

Progress on 2024 Farm Applications

The board will also review the status of two farms currently in the preservation pipeline from 2024 applications:

• Highland Farm: Survey work has been completed, moving this property closer to permanent preservation
• Giles, Dean Property: Survey currently underway

These farms represent the latest additions to Wayne County’s impressive farmland preservation portfolio. Since 1989, the county has acquired 53 agricultural conservation easements, permanently preserving over 6,300 acres of farmland from development.

Financial Resources Available but Encumbered

According to the agenda, Wayne County currently has $510,210 in state allocation funds for farmland preservation, though $304,428 is already encumbered for pending projects. The county’s matching funds balance will be reported at tonight’s meeting, with $88,572 already committed.

These funds are crucial for the program’s continuation, as Pennsylvania’s easement purchase program typically requires both state and county contributions. The state can contribute up to 50% of an easement’s value, with counties and sometimes federal programs covering the remainder.

Program Recertification Looms for 2026

The board will discuss preparations for the program’s recertification in 2026, including potential updates to “Rural Enterprise language” in their guidelines. This recertification process, required by the state, ensures county programs continue to meet Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture standards and remain eligible for state funding.

The recertification is particularly important as Wayne County faces increasing development pressure. The county has been one of the fastest-growing in Pennsylvania, making farmland preservation efforts increasingly critical to maintaining the area’s agricultural heritage and economy.

Legislative Updates and Land Trust Partnerships

Board members will also receive updates on House Bill 1059, which relates to land trusts acquiring agricultural conservation easements (ACE), and updates from the Agricultural Security Area (ASA) program. The potential for partnerships with land trusts could open new funding sources and preservation opportunities for Wayne County farms.

Land trusts have become increasingly important partners in Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation efforts, with 22 land trusts registered with the State Board as of recent counts. These partnerships can provide additional funding and expertise to help preserve farms that might otherwise be lost to development.

Annual Monitoring of Protected Farms

The board will discuss ACE monitoring efforts, a critical component of ensuring preserved farms remain in compliance with easement terms. Pennsylvania law requires annual inspections of preserved farms to verify they’re being used for agricultural purposes and that no violations of easement restrictions have occurred.

These monitoring efforts help protect the public’s investment in farmland preservation and ensure that preserved farms continue to contribute to the county’s agricultural economy.

Why Farmland Preservation Matters to Wayne County

Wayne County’s agricultural sector remains a vital part of the local economy, but farmland continues to face pressure from residential and commercial development. The county’s proximity to metropolitan areas and its scenic beauty make it attractive for second homes and retirement communities, driving up land values and making it difficult for farmers to compete.

The preservation program helps farmers in several ways:

• Provides capital to reduce debt or invest in farm operations
• Allows farms to be passed to the next generation at agricultural value rather than development value
• Ensures local food production continues
• Maintains the rural character that attracts tourists to the Pocono region
• Protects water quality and wildlife habitat

Public Participation Encouraged

The board welcomes public comment at both the beginning and end of tonight’s meeting. Residents interested in farmland preservation, whether as farmers considering easements or citizens concerned about maintaining the county’s rural character, are encouraged to attend.

The next Agricultural Land Preservation Board meeting is scheduled for December 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

Looking Ahead

With the application deadline for 2025 easements set for December 31, farmers considering preservation have limited time to apply. The program offers farmers a way to realize some of their land’s development value while keeping it in agricultural production permanently.

As Wayne County continues to grow, tonight’s decisions and ongoing preservation efforts will play a crucial role in determining whether future generations will have access to locally-produced food and the scenic agricultural landscapes that define the Pocono region’s character.

For more information about the Wayne County Agricultural Land Preservation Program or to obtain an application, contact the Wayne County Planning Department or visit the county website.

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Meeting Details:

• When: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 6:00 PM
• Where: Park Street Complex, 648 W. Park Street, Honesdale
• Contact: Wayne County Planning Department
• Next Meeting: December 17, 2025, 7:00 PM

The public is encouraged to attend and provide input on these important agricultural preservation issues.