The Counties of Northampton and Carbon are pleased to announce that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed at the Carbon County Commissioners meeting on Thursday, May 2nd. This MOU will establish a partnership between the Counties, enabling Northampton County Farmland Preservation and Open Space Program to extend valuable assistance to Carbon County as they expand their current preservation program.

“With the growing demand of warehouses, I commend Carbon County for taking steps to preserve their region’s natural resources as they embark on the laudable goal of Agricultural and Conservation Easement Purchases for open space preservation,” says Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure. “This MOU formalizes an agreement for Northampton County’s Farmland Preservation and Open Space Program to provide Carbon with program administration assistance and technical resources and offer guidance regarding our models and best practices.”

“This is a great opportunity to gain knowledge for the Carbon County Open Space Program, as well as enhancing the Farmland Preservation program. With direction on job descriptions, policies, and procedures, Carbon County will be able to move forward in the positive direction,” Commissioner Rocky Ahner said. “I’d also like to thank Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure and his staff for extending a helping hand to us, let this be a template for others to work together.”

Northampton County has successfully operated a Farmland Preservation program and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program since 1991 and an Open Space Program since 2004. To date, Northampton County has 255 farms preserved, totaling 19,278.96 acres. Twelve easements are currently in progress, totaling approximately 610 acres. Since 2006, Northampton County awarded $20.75 million in Livable Landscapes grants for successful local and regional park improvements, open space plans, recreation, land conservation, ecological restoration, and trail projects. Approximately 3,600 acres have been preserved, including more than 379 acres added to Northampton County Parks, Preserves, and Trails between 2019-2023.

A working group of staff between both Counties will be established.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
County of Northampton
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/

 

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