Agricultural Land Preservation Board

About the Agricultural Land Preservation Board (ALPB)

The ALPB was established in 1989 by the Chester County Board of Commissioners to administer the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, as created through PA Act 43, P.L. 128, No. 43, the Agricultural Security Area Law, as amended.

The ALPB is a nine-member board appointed by the Chester County Board of Commissioners. Current board members are: Melba Matthews, Chairman; Don Cairns, Vice Chairman; Duane Hershey, Secretary; John Diament; Richard Abbott; Amy McKenna; Nelson Beam; Bill Covaleski; and Eli Silberman. 

The ALPB meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except for November and December, as noted below) at 2 p.m. at the Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester. The public is invited to attend and has the opportunity to be heard in the public comment section of the meeting. 

ALPB Mission Statement

The Agricultural Land Preservation Board administers the Commonwealth Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program and the Chester County Challenge Grant Program. The easement programs assure preservation of viable agricultural lands in order to protect the agricultural economy and resources of the County. 

ALPB 2023 Meeting Schedule

Government Services Center
601 Westtown Road, West Chester, PA
Room 250, unless otherwise noted below
2:00 p.m. 

NOTICE: If you wish to participate virtually, the Zoom meeting ID is 853 3961 8295 and the passcode is 846872. Any changes to this information will be posted in advance on this webpage.