Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District Ask Commissioners For Support

Photo by Quay DeVoll

ZANESVILLLE, OHIO– Officials from the Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District met with the Muskingum County commissioners Monday.

Administrator Lisa Crock spoke to commissioners about a letter of support, for the soil and water conservation’s application to become a local sponsor for the Ohio Department of Agricultural Easement Purchase program. Crock said this program is crucial for the preservation of our farmlands.

“They aren’t making anymore farmland,” Crock said. “It is important to preserve what farmland we do have. This will give landowners an opportunity to put easement on their properties,so then it can never be developed for commercial use.”

Crock said the next steps for them is to apply to become a local sponsor. If approved the public will be notified and they will start accepting applications.

“There is a 30 day window for the application process. You’ll hear in about 30 some days after that if you’re accepted as a local sponsor or not. Then there is a 90 day window when people can apply,” Crock said.

Crock said the county commissioners are very supportive of this initiative.