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Dickinson supervisors explore farmland preservation options to keep rural character
Summary
The Board reviewed a map of properties in preservation/agricultural security areas and discussed county preservation (sale of development rights), third‑party programs and a potential township tax to fund preservation; they will meet Silver Spring Township to learn about funding approaches.
At the April 1 meeting, Dickinson Township supervisors discussed starting a farmland preservation program to help maintain the township’s rural character.
Staff provided a map showing properties currently in county preservation or agricultural security areas. The Board reviewed differences between county farmland preservation — where landowners sell development rights in perpetuity — and agricultural security designations, which can be a step toward preservation. Third‑party programs were noted as another option.
Supervisors discussed funding options, including imposing a township tax to generate funds to assist farmers who want to preserve development rights. The Board expressed interest in preserving rural character and agreed to meet with Silver Spring Township to hear about that township’s approach to providing funding for preservation.
No preservation policy was adopted; the discussion produced direction to gather additional information from neighboring municipalities and explore funding mechanisms before any formal proposal is drafted.
