Franklin County preserves two more farms

June 5, 2015 – CHAMBERSBURG, PA –  On Tuesday, June 2, the Franklin County Commissioners traveled to the Samuel and Rhea Kline Farm and the Ralph Daugherty Farm and met with the owners of both farms.  The commissioners thanked the owners for participating in the Franklin County Agricultural Land Preservation Program and presented them with signs recognizing their participation in the program. 

The Kline Farm is a 106-acre crop farm located in St. Thomas Township.  The farm also has a small number of cattle and a few horses.  The farm is located in the southeastern portion of the township and is in close proximity to the Conococheague Creek. 

The Daugherty Farm is a 110-acre crop and livestock operation located in Montgomery Township.   The farm is located east of Mercersburg and is situated along the West Branch of the Conococheague Creek.

The addition of these farms to the program later this summer will bring the total number of farms preserved to 130, for a total of 16,789 acres preserved within Franklin County. 

Chairman Dave Keller said, “Agriculture is so vitally important to our economy and the quality of life we enjoy here in Franklin County.  By preserving farms, we’re helping to ensure the future economic vitality and rural character that is so highly valued by the residents of the county.”

Commissioner Bob Thomas said, “As more farms disappear to development, future generations of county citizens will come to appreciate the preservation efforts the county has taken over these last 20 years.”

Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski said, “Agricultural preservation easements are an important tool in planning for the future of Franklin County.”

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Farmland Preservation approved both farms for preservation in Franklin County at its board meeting in April.

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