The Land Conservancy of Adams County has finalized an agreement with Highland Township resident Allen Knouse to preserve his 77.5-acre property from development.
“I’m the third generation of my family to own this land,” said Knouse. “My grandparents were tenant farmers on this land for five years and then they bought the whole farm. They built the home that I live in today in 1922. I still own 77 acres of what was the original farm–most of my land today is on a hill and covered with trees.”
Knouse protected his land with a conservation easement, which will protect the land from development in perpetuity.
“Allen Knouse’s property is in the Marsh Creek watershed, which has long been a Land Conservancy priority area for preservation,” said Land Conservancy Land Preservation Coordinator Sarah Kipp, who worked with Knouse to finalize his preservation project. “Being large and entirely forested, this land provides important ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water purification, and wildlife habitat.”
While some landowners receive financial compensation in exchange for limiting the development rights to their land, Knouse chose to donate his conservation easement.
Learn more on the Land Conservancy of Adams County website.
