By Dave Skellie and Chuck Benson, Executive Committee Members, Lake Erie Group
In Erie County, Pennsylvania, an important decision is approaching—one that will shape the character of our communities for generations.
The Erie County Farm consists of approximately 195.8 acres of publicly-owned agricultural land, including 159.8 acres in Fairview Township and 36 acres in Girard Township. Today, there is an opportunity to permanently protect this land through Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Preservation Program, ensuring it remains productive farmland and open space rather than becoming future commercial development.
This proposal is about more than preserving acreage—it is about deciding what kind of legacy Erie County wants to leave.
Across Pennsylvania, the Agricultural Preservation Program has demonstrated that conservation works. Since its creation in 1988 (in Lancaster, Pennsylvania), the program has helped protect more than 6,673 farms and over 662,940 acres of agricultural land. Erie County has already benefited from this effort, with 86 farms totaling 10,124 acres currently conserved.
Supporters of preservation believe the County Farm should become part of that success story.
Last year’s discussion surrounding a proposal to develop an industrial park at the County Farm revealed strong public concern. Residents in both Fairview and Girard expressed clear opposition and raised questions about whether converting open agricultural land into business development reflects the long-term interests of the community.
The Lake Erie Group of The Sierra Club believes there is another path.
A few board members from our Lake Erie group met with the newly elected County Executive, Christine Vogel. We proposed that Erie County convene a public meeting to gauge interest in permanently conserving the County Farm through the State Agricultural Preservation Program. Conservation would likely involve placing an agricultural easement on all six property deeds, with ongoing monitoring by the easement holder—potentially the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Permanent conservation does not mean the County walks away empty-handed. Based on preliminary estimates of approximately $2,000 per acre, the preservation value could approach $400,000. Those funds would go directly to Erie County and would be unrestricted, meaning they could support other county priorities while preserving the land itself.
Open space offers benefits that are difficult to recreate once lost. Agricultural land contributes to local food systems, supports wildlife habitat, reduces development pressure, helps manage stormwater, and preserves the rural character that residents value. It also sends a message that economic growth and land stewardship do not have to be competing goals.
Preservation is achievable—but it will require planning and public engagement. Moving forward may involve updates to County and Township Comprehensive Plans, conversations with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and coordination through the Erie County Planning Department.
These are manageable steps if there is community consensus.
The question before Erie County is simple: Will this land become another stretch of future development—or remain an open landscape that continues serving the public for generations to come?
The County Farm represents a rare opportunity to make a permanent investment in conservation. Once open space is developed, it is almost impossible to reclaim. Preserving it now would be a decision future residents may thank us for.
This blog was included as part of the July 2026 Sylvanian newsletter. Please click here to check out more articles from this edition!