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 that is appointed by the Chester County Board of Commissioners. Current board members include the following: Melba Matthews, chairman; John Diament, vice chairman; Harold Kulp, secretary; Richard Abbott; Amy McKenna; William Moore; Judy Noyalas; Robert Saylor; and Eli Silberman. Thomas Abrahamsen is the solicitor for the board.

If interested in serving on the ALPB, please send resume to Chester County Commissioners’ Office, 2 North High Street, PO Box 2747, West Chester, PA 19380

The ALPB meets the fourth Tuesday of each month (except for November and December, when they meet on the third Tuesday) in Suite 270, of 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 (see 2009 schedule).

ALPB Mission Statement

The Agricultural Land Preservation Board administers the Commonwealth Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program and the newly enhanced 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.