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Coordinator reports $703,846 state allocation, appraisals ordered and other program updates
Summary
Centre County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Coordinator reported a state allocation of $703,846 (combined with $118,000 certified for $821,846 available), ordered multiple appraisals, noted Corl Farm’s State Board approval with an anticipated June–September closing window, and flagged a compliance complaint for the Fravel Farm.
At the March 26 meeting of the Centre County Agricultural Land Preservation Board, Agricultural Land Preservation Coordinator Elizabeth Pirrone-Brusse summarized several program updates including new funding, appraisal activity and an out-of-compliance finding.
Funding and capacity: The Coordinator reported a State allocation of $703,846 for the preservation program. Combined with $118,000 that had been certified previously, the Coordinator said the program has $821,846 available for acquisitions; she noted that this total does not include funds available from Halfmoon and Ferguson Townships. The Board did not take a funding vote at the meeting but received the funding update as part of the Coordinator’s report.
Appraisals and State Board items: The Coordinator reported appraisals have been ordered for the Strouse, Michael and Gray Farms. She said the Corl Farm went before the State Board in February and was approved; closing is expected to be scheduled between June and September 2026. The Strouse and Ishler Farms were pushed to the June State Board meeting—Strouse because of appraisal timing and Ishler because the Potter Township solicitor had not returned signature pages after disputing acreage figures.
Compliance and coordination: The Coordinator reported the Fravel Farm was found out of compliance with its Conservation Plan; a formal complaint was filed with the Conservation District and the landowner, Wayne Fravel, plans to update his NRCS Conservation Plan and submit a copy to the office. Staff also reported meeting with Andy Bater (Farm Bureau), Jim Coslo (Conservation District), and Elizabeth Crisfield (Clearwater Conservancy) about the Rockview property and collective strategies.
Other: The Coordinator said she attended PASA on February 5–6, 2026 and announced that the Farmland Preservation Artists will have artwork on display at Schlow Library in April.
Next steps: staff will continue to process appraisals and prepare properties for State Board consideration or closing; any township contributions or timing issues will affect scheduling.
