By MICHAEL HIRSCH

Special to The Press

The beginning of the Dec. 5, 2024, Upper Macungie supervisors’ meeting began with a presentation by Donna Wright from the Agricultural Land Preservation Board.

She provided an overview of farmland preservation efforts in Lehigh County and Upper Macungie Township.

Lehigh County has preserved 406 farms, totaling more than 28,000 acres, Wright explained.

Currently, 960 acres are preserved in Upper Macungie, with 16 more farms in the process, including two large properties totaling nearly 200 acres.

The county pays up to $6,000 per acre for preservation.

If costs exceed this, municipalities are asked to assist.

The county invests $1 million annually, matched by state funds (approximately $2.5 million or more annually).

Municipalities that contribute additional funds help increase state matching, effectively doubling or tripling the preservation budget.

Applications are accepted year-round, with 35-40 farms currently on the waiting list.

Municipalities can expedite preservation by funding appraisals ($1,700) or covering costs above the county cap.

Several municipalities, such as Upper Milford and Lower Macungie, cleared longstanding waiting lists by collaborating with the county.

Preserved land cannot be removed or swapped for other properties.

Landowners are allowed one additional home on preserved properties, maximum two acres.

Adjustments have been made to accommodate specific funding timelines and municipal needs.

Recent successes include Whitehall, preserving its first farm of 154 acres, with the township contributing $375,000.

Wright emphasized the importance of planning, communication, and collaboration among municipalities, landowners, and the preservation office to continue preserving farmland effectively.

In other matters, Jeff Fleischaker reflected on his first year as chairman of the township board of supervisors and expressed gratitude and optimism at the final meeting of 2024.

He thanked Supervisors Sunny Ghai and Jim Brunell for their trust and support in leading the board and gave kudos to the staff for their hard work, crediting them for the board’s ability to succeed.

Fleischaker described the year as challenging but rewarding, with significant progress and accomplishments for the township and praised its proactive approach, likening their leadership to “driving the boat” toward future successes.

He thanked the community for its trust and confidence as this was his first year as an elected official.

Fleischaker shared his hope to continue meeting expectations while looking forward to exciting developments in 2025.