Agenda - 06-03-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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57 The advantage that the Rogers farm and others in the northern portion of the county possess is location. By being situated in predominantly rural portions of the county away from urban areas and services, such farms will rank consistently higher in terms of site assessment. The Rogers farm is characteristic of this feature, having ranked first in site assessment. Although the final ranking of the Rogers farm was third, only two points separated it from the Nutter farm. In summary, the LESA system, as prepared and applied in this report, provides a guide in determining how and where to spend limited funds in acquiring development rights for farmland preservation. In very general terms, the LESA system gives priority to those farms which: 1. Have the best soils for growing crops and timber; 2. Are located in predominantly rural areas; 3. Are subject to conversion to non -farm use due to hardship or financial reasons; 4. Are large in size; 5. Have made significant investments in farm buildings; 6. Have successfully reduced topsoil loss from erosion; 7. Are located in areas designated for agricultural use on the Comprehensive Plan; 8. Are located well away from urban areas and services (water and sewer); 9. Are located in protected watersheds with limited development potential; and 10. Have significant natural areas, wildlife habitats, and historic sites located within their boundaries. In specific terms, priority would be given to acquiring the development, on the Walters farm first, then the Nutter or Rogers farms-; =: -_and finally, the Strayhorn and Hogan farms. How these families would go about participating in a purchase of development rights program is the subject of the companion report to this document. Specific recommendations are presented for the establishment and operation of a program, including sources of funding and who would administer the program.