Over 7,000 acres of land in Centre County are now protected from any commercial development.
Local farmers say this preservation will affect future generations.
John and Clay Campbell say their family-farming dates back to the 1780’s, and they’re proud to have their roots in Centre County.
“My grandfather and their grandfathers have farmed the same piece of ground for eons. It’s something that’s in your soul,” John said.
The Campbell brothers own 359 acres of land, and 349 of it is now preserved forever.
“I think we just hold the land in high regard because we’ve been working with it for centuries and so we all want to save that,” Clay said.
The Centre County Agricultural Land Preservation Board works to preserve places like Campbell farms.
Every two years folks can apply for their ground to be appraised, and be compensated for the development rights.
The program ultimately protects the land from future commercial development.
Sarah Walter, Coordinator for Centre County Ag Land Preservation Program, said Centre County is valued for it’s open landscapes and quality soil.
“What we’re trying to do is protect the land and the prime soils that we have here, which rival some of the best soils in the state,” Walter said.
Walter said on average, one acre is worth about $3,000.
Since 1991 the board has preserved over 7c000 acres, which is valued at over $16 million.
Campbell farms now joins a cluster of 9 others, spanning over 1,600 acres in Ferguson Township.
“You’re carrying on a tradition, you’re furthering your heritage which is important to me personally,” John said.
Regardless if the land stays with the Campbell family, the preservation agreement still stands.
“We make that investment and then we commit to defend it,” Walter said.
“For me it’s preserving farmland for future generations if they want to farm, they have a place to do it,” John said.
Applications for the next round of preservations will open next fall,
