State buys development rights to preserve Pattersonville farm

PATTERSONVILLE – A Ringtown Valley farm is among 31 statewide that are now protected from future development thanks to state and county investment.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced Thursday a $10.2 Million investment to purchase development rights for 2,645 acres of farmland across 20 counties.

Among the farms to be preserved is a 49-acre crop farm owned by Richard W. and Laurie E. Hetherington in Pattersonville, off Hollow Road.

“Pennsylvania leads the nation in preserved farmland, thanks to the unwavering commitment of our farm families and strong support at every level of government,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Many of these farmers have been offered the opportunity to sell their land for development, but they’ve chosen instead to stay committed to feeding our Commonwealth and carrying on their families’ farming traditions.”

It is one of two farms to be preserved in Schuylkill County, the other being a 55-acre crop farm owned by Jared and Nicole Manbeck in South Manheim Township.

The state says $225,100 is being spent to preserve the two farms, with $197,450 coming from the state and $27,650 from Schuylkill County.

The article State buys development rights to preserve Pattersonville farm first appeared on The Shenandoah Sentinel.